Maseru, June 25 — As part of empowering Journalists with precise economic and financial skills, Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion (CAFI) is holding a two days capacity building workshop in Maseru from Thursday to Friday.
In his opening remarks CAFI Managing Director, Mr. Chaba Mokuku said the purpose of the workshop is to build a sustainable media landscape in Lesotho as well as to empower reporters on business, investment opportunities and data journalism.
He said they have partnered with the Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL) to facilitate the training because it plays a major role in the economic sector and continuously works to improve financial literacy.
He said they collaborate with various bodies to enhance economic journalism and financial stability reporting.
He highlighted that as public servants, CAFI and media practitioners have the responsibility to part the knowledge on economy, monetary policies with the public.
He added that this is to ensure that after the tranining Journalists have inside skills and tools to report confidently on economy.
On the other hand, CBL Chief of Corporate Communication Mr. Ephraim Moremoholo said because the economy and the cost of living affect everyone, rigorous and accurate reporting acts as a powerful public messenger.
He said partnerships between media, government initiatives like CAFI and the Central Bank of Lesotho are crucial to driving this growth.
He explained that accurate journalism translates complex financial data and market trends into accessible information.
“Reporting vigorously on the economy holds financial and government institutions transparent. It also clarifies everyday economic factors like inflation, the cost of living and tax compliance,” he said.
He further highlighted that accurate reporting help present local business opportunities and investment prospects across Lesotho’s sectors.
CAFI is a six year $52.5 million (M 871,124,625.00) by the government of Lesotho and the World Bank aimed at increasing access to business support services and financial products for MSMEs, entrepreneurs, women and youth.
It operates through several core programs and focus areas to boost economic growth and job creation.
To date it has supported 430 enterprises and incubated 260 and established 10 commercial farms across the country.
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