Founder of Bloomberg, philanthropist and 108th Mayor of New York City, announced the launch of the Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa yesterday, February 3, 2014. The three-year pan-African programme is aimed at building media capacity and improving access to information in order to advance transparency, accountability and governance on the continent. The initial focus of the $10 million commitment will be on Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.
Bloomberg will partner Lagos Business School, Nigeria; University of Nairobi’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication; Strathmore Business School, Kenya; University of Lagos’s Department of Mass Communication; Rhodes University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies and the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science, South Africa, to develop and deliver educational programmes focused on business, economics, public policy, finance and journalism to enhance the skills and knowledge of media professionals.
“Reliable data and financial analysis bring transparency to markets and promote sound economic development – and they can help keep Africa growing and creating opportunity” said Michael R. Bloomberg. “The Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa will foster collaboration, support professional growth and nurture the leaders who are contributing to the continent’s very bright future.”
