Program Overview

Minimum Entry Criteria

• Applicants must be in possession of a recognized 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.

Who Should Apply

This program has been primarily developed for mid-career journalists and finance professionals with an interest in financial journalism; government professionals responsible for public policy, communications, or finance portfolios; and development practitioners and civil society professionals with an interest in African development and financial and economic data.

Program Structure

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

The 22-day program spans seven months and includes seven compulsory study blocks. Each study block takes place over three to four full lecture days.

Participating universities in Ethiopia are:

• Addis Ababa University

• Unity University

2025 – 2026 : Ethiopia Intake 2 Implementation Dates and Venue

​Application Process

This application form is only available for Intake 2 (Ethiopia) which will run from April to July 2025. Applications are now closed.

Applications will be reviewed, and places will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications for this recruitment will be closed on August 29, 2025.

As part of the screening process, candidates may be invited to attend interviews. Applicants will need to have reliable internet connectivity during the application process and be prepared to upload the following documents:

• All applicants should provide electronic copies of tertiary qualification/s;

• All applicants will also be required to complete a 20-minute online numeracy test to confirm baseline financial acumen; and

• All applicants will be required to upload a writing sample.

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

• A brief, recent writing sample on a relevant topic and

• 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 Financial Journalism Training 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  bmiafjt@strathmore.edu.

Requirements to Graduate

In addition to attending all the study blocks, participants will be required to complete pre and post-program assessments and submit and pass all required assignments to receive certification.

​​Program Fees

The program’s value is more than $26,500, but Bloomberg Philanthropies, with support from the Stavros Niarchos 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 a registration fee waiver are asked to contact their country program manager.

Bloomberg Philanthropies

Bloomberg Philanthropies works to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people by focusing on five key areas: the arts, education, the environment, government innovation, and public health.

Encompassing all of Mike Bloomberg’s giving, Bloomberg Philanthropies includes his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consultancy that works with mayors in cities around the world.

Mike has committed the vast majority of the profits from Bloomberg L.P., the global financial technology, data, and media company that he founded in 1981, to support the work of Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Bloomberg Philanthropies works to improve the lives of millions of people in more than 700 cities and 150 countries. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies invested $3.7 billion around the world. Over his lifetime, Mike has so far given $21.1 billion to philanthropy.

For more information, please visit bloomberg.org