On 19 and 20 August, the Banco de Moçambique held a training seminar in the city of Lichinga for 41 journalists from media outlets in Niassa Province, in coordination with the National Union of Journalists (SNJ).

The event is part of the “Economics for All” programme, which sets out to equip media professionals with knowledge of how the foreign exchange market and the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Mozambique operate.

Speaking at the opening of the seminar, the Acting Director of the Lichinga Branch (FIL), Carlitos Wambir, stated that investing in initiatives of this nature is particularly important in a context marked by the growing complexity of economic and financial matters and the speed at which information circulates. Against this backdrop, he explained, journalists play a key role in selecting, verifying and reporting facts, helping the public better understand issues that directly affect households, businesses and the State.

Wambir underscored the importance of ensuring that the rapid circulation of information is accompanied by the necessary accuracy, thereby preventing distorted interpretations or perceptions of economic reality. “In this regard, the Banco de Moçambique will continue to champion initiatives of this nature, recognising media outlets as strategic partners in disseminating economic and financial knowledge and fostering a better-informed public debate,” the manager stated.

The sessions were marked by considerable interest and active participation. Presentations were delivered by the Director of the Sovereign Wealth Fund Management Office, Cláudio Mangue, and Elton Cavadias, a Communications Officer. The speakers presented, respectively, the topics Sovereign Wealth Fund of Mozambique: Governance and Operationalisation and Exchange Rates and the Foreign Exchange Market: What Are They and How Do They Work? The approach combined the sharing of information with responses to questions raised by the participants.

Speaking on behalf of media professionals, the SNJ Provincial Secretary in Niassa, Bonifácio Mussá, praised the central bank’s initiative, emphasising its invaluable contribution to strengthening the ability of media professionals to report on economic matters. “We believe that, following these two days, we will be better equipped to interpret the concepts and terms shared here, which will help improve journalistic content relating to these topics,” he stated.

During the closing session, the Acting Director of FIL commended the partnership with the SNJ and expressed the hope that the knowledge acquired would help improve the quality of specialised journalism and strengthen media professionals’ interest in matters relating to the central bank’s mandate and responsibilities.