Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa Executive Training Program 2016

Aimed at increasing the pipeline of skilled financial journalists and analysts, embracing a data-driven journalism culture across Africa, the Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa (BMIA), is looking to train financial journalists and development experts to enhance their abilities as continental informers, educators and watchdogs.

The program is designed in collaboration with a consortium of 6 pre-eminent journalism schools and top business schools across three key African markets to deliver a highly innovative, integrated and practical world-class executive training program that is firmly rooted in African market realities.

The training will build the skills and knowledge of media professionals to better serve the public interest as a critical part of continental development and progress. 

​Who should apply?

This interactive and hands-on program is targeted at mid-career journalists, editors, analysts, financial professionals, public and economic policy professionals, civil society leaders with an interest in African development and financial and economic data as well as university faculty and graduate students with an interest in financial journalism. 

Entry Requirements

• Applicants must be in possession of a recognised tertiary qualification (degree or diploma):

• Applicants with working experience in Journalism, Public Relations or a related field will be at an advantage; and
• Applicants must have a baseline level of understanding of financial numeracy and be computer literate, with a sound working knowledge of MS Word and Excel.

Program Structure:

The BMIA Executive Training Program is structured for part-time study, enabling working professionals to apply new knowledge and skills they acquire back into their work environments in real time.

The 19-day program spans a period of six months and includes four compulsory study blocks. Each study block takes place over three to five full lecture days. 

The Executive Training is being offered in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya. Participating univers​ities are:

South Africa​

​​Gordon Institute of Business Science, GIBS

Rhodes University School of Journalism

Nigeria​

Pan Atlantic University, Lagos Business School University of Lagos, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

Kenya

Strathmore Business School, University of Nairobi,
School of Journalism

Program Content:

Seven modules built around three key themes:

• Business and Finance,
• Policy, and
• Financial Journalism Production

All of the modules will incorporate material about the ethical issues and social impacts of business and financial journalism.

Program modules:

• The Media Landscape
• Economics
• Accounting and Finance
• Financial Journalism
• Public Policy and Regulation
• Capital Markets
• Data Analysis and Interpretation

​Application process

Applications for the next intake in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria are now open, Click Here for the Online Application Form. Applications will be reviewed and places awarded on a first come first served basis.  

Applications will be reviewed and places awarded on a first come first served basis. The closing date for Intake 3 applications is 28 February 2016. Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the class is full.​ As part of the screening process, candidates may be invited to attend interviews. Applicants will need to have reliable internet connectivity and be prepared to upload the following documents:

• All applicants should provide electronic copies of your tertiary qualification/s;
• All applicants will also be required to complete a 20 minute online numeracy test to confirm their
  baseline financial acumen; and
• All applicants will be required to upload writing samples.

Candidates with professional financial journalism experiencewill be required to upload a recent sample of their best written work. Candidates without journalism experience will be required to upload:

1. A brief, recent writing sample on a relevant topic, and
2. A motivational essay of no more than 750 words. Through this essay, you have the opportunity to explain why you would like to participate in the BMIA Executive Program and highlight your interest in and/or expertise on issues related to economic analysis and financial journalism. Examples of relevant issues include: public policy, transparency, accountability, financial data and oversight.

Bureau chiefs, editors, media executives, civil society managers and HR directors are encouraged to nominate outstanding staff to attend the program to enhance their financial and business journalism excellence. For more information, please email bmia@gibs.co.za. 

​​Program fees

The program value is $15 000, but Bloomberg Philanthropies with support from the Ford Foundation are generously funding each successful candidate on a scholarship basis. Scholarships include tuition, class materials, lunch and refreshments. 

Those successful enough to secure a scholarship will be required to contribute a registration fee of $250 and will need to provide their own transport and accommodation. Applicants seeking waiver of registration fee are asked to contact their country program manager.

Requirements to graduate

In addition to attending the study blocks, participants will be required to complete pre-module preparation work and post-module assessments in the form of individual and/or syndicate assignments.

Click Here for the Online Application Form and find more details on program here.