The week-long training programme aimed to cover key areas of financial journalism, including financial writing, financial accounts, the interpretation of financial reports, African macroeconomic and trade issues, and reporting on the broader political economy and global economy, says Sanlam.

In its 23rd year, the Sanlam Summer School has trained more than 500 journalists from across Africa, aiming to equip them with the knowledge and practical skills needed to report accurately and meaningfully on complex financial and economic issues, adds Sanlam.

The programme aims to combine expert-led discussions with practical, experiential learning.

According to Sanlam, key activities include:

  • Expert Panel Discussion: Subject matter experts discussed the relevance of the World Economic Forum agenda to African trade and commerce, examining its implications for the continent's economic priorities and participation in the global economy.
  • Business Simulation: Delegates took part in a practical exercise designed to strengthen their understanding of financial and accounting management concepts through experiential learning.
  • Financial News-Writing Assignment: Participants produced news stories based on the panel discussion. The lead trainer reviewed their work and provides individualised feedback to help them strengthen their reporting and writing skills.

Featured speakers included Arthur Kamp, Sanlam Economist; Joseph Upile Matola, Acting Programme Head of the Economic Resilience and Inclusion Programme at the South African Institute of International Affairs, Paula Slier, Global Affairs Correspondent; Hudson Mtegha, Mineral Economist; and Pule Molebeledi, CEO of Arena Holdings, a South African media group, says Sanlam.

The Summer School forms part of Sanlam's broader commitment to strengthening financial journalism across the continent. 

Together with five decades of support for the annual Sanlam Group Financial Journalism Awards, the initiative aims to reflect the group's investment in developing journalistic talent. The awards also aim to recognise outstanding financial journalism from across Africa, says Sanlam.

This year marks the 23rd edition of the Sanlam Summer School. Together with five decades of support for the annual Sanlam Group Financial Journalism Awards, the initiative aims to reflect Sanlam's long-standing commitment to the growth and development of financial journalism across Africa.

The awards aim to recognise excellence in financial reporting from across the continent, while the Summer School provides journalists with opportunities to strengthen their skills and deepen their understanding of complex economic issues, says Sanlam.

Sanlam says it believes that strong financial journalism is important in helping the public understand economic and financial issues that affect their lives. Accurate, accessible reporting enables people to make informed financial decisions while deepening public understanding of economic developments and policy choices.

Financial journalism can also play a critical role in promoting accountability in both the public and private sectors, particularly in how funds are acquired, managed and allocated to support economic development and the broader public good, adds Sanlam.

As Africa prepares for Davos 2027, initiatives such as the Sanlam Summer School aim to strengthen journalists' ability to interpret complex economic developments, scrutinise financial decisions and tell nuanced, evidence-based stories that reflect the continent's economic realities and opportunities.

or more information, visit www.sanlam.co.za. You can also follow Sanlam on Facebook, or on X.

*Image courtesy of contributor