Malawians set for better business reporting

Malawians could soon get clearer and more informed stories about the money, businesses and financial decisions shaping their everyday lives.

The prospect follows a commitment by National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc to give journalists more opportunities to strengthen their knowledge of business and finance, with the bank saying better-equipped reporters can help the public make sense of complex economic issues.

NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akossa Mphepo Hiwa made the commitment after 10 journalists from different media houses returned from a business education visit to Botswana.

The tour gave the journalists practical exposure to Botswana’s financial sector, including trading activities at the Botswana Stock Exchange and the operations of key financial institutions.

Hiwa said journalists play a critical role in informing the public and shaping discussions on economic and financial matters.

“We value the role that journalists play in promoting informed public discussion on economic and development issues. As a bank, we believe that investing in media capacity building contributes to improved business and financial reporting, which ultimately benefits the public and the economy,” she said.

Hiwa said the Botswana visit was part of NBM plc’s broader media engagement strategy and assured journalists that more training programmes and exposure visits would follow.

“This is not a one-off initiative. We are committed to strengthening our partnership with the media through more training programmes, knowledge-sharing platforms and exposure visits that help journalists broaden their understanding of business, finance and investment matters,” she added.

One of the participants, Chimwemwe Mangazi of Times Group, said the experience had given journalists practical knowledge that could improve the quality of their reporting.

“This has been a valuable learning experience. Beyond seeing how the Botswana Stock Exchange operates, we have gained a better appreciation of how financial markets support economic growth and wealth creation,” said Mangazi.

He said such initiatives were important because journalists need knowledge and context to explain business and financial issues accurately to the public.

The journalists also visited the Cultural Village, Three Dikgosi and Bahurutshe Culture Lodge to appreciate Botswana’s history and culture.
The 10 journalists were Mangazi and Francis Namondwe of Times Group, Earlene Chimoyo of Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, Jane Kaonga of Capital Radio, Christopher Sande of Zodiak, Lucy Kadzongwe of Mibawa, Malumbo Ngwira of MIJ FM, Benjamin Maona of Gazette Media, Richard Tiyesi of Timveni and Chikondi Chiyembekeza of Nation Publications Limited.