Participants pose for a group photo
The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has reiterated that financial literacy among its stakeholders is vital in supporting the central bank’s efforts to manage the country’s economy.
Speaking on Thursday, 26 June 2025, during a Financial Literacy and Monetary Policy training held in Salima, RBM’s Director of Public Relations, Boston Maliketi Banda, stressed the significant role the media play in informing the public about financial matters.
"We have done this as part of our outreach to the people of Malawi. We know that media is the fourth arm of the government because they are able to provide checks and balances in our operations, but also they are important in dissemination of information to the people," stated Banda.
Banda further highlighted that the wide reach of Police FM Radio influenced their decision to offer the training.
"For Police FM radio in particular, it's their coverage, because Police FM is available in most districts of the country, and through their community policing program, they interact with the people even at grassroot level.
"So, we want our message as the Reserve Bank to go there because managing the economy of the country cannot be done by the governor or the Reserve Bank alone. We have to work together as a country," emphasized Banda.
On his part, Station Manager for Police FM Radio and National Police PRO, Assistant Commissioner of Police Peter Kalaya applauded RBM for the training, noting that it would help journalists report on financial and economic matters more accurately.
"Apart from Police FM reporters and producers, the training is also very important to community policing officers who engage local leaders and their subjects on matters of importance to the nation. Through this training, our reporters, producers and community policing coordinators will acquire necessary skills and expertise in interpreting monitory issues, financial literacy, and how to write compelling stories that'd be undertood by ordinary Malawians," he said.
One of the participants, Tiwonge Kayenda, expressed appreciation for the knowledge gained through the workshop.
The two-day training was organized for 30 journalists from Police FM and Community Policing Coordinators drawn from across Malawi. RBM and Police FM also explored areas of partnership to introduce financial literacy programs on Police FM Radio.