The first question to journalists was by President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania who wanted to know why the media were always interested in telling bad stories about Africa and when that attitude is likely to change.

The journalists, in reply, said that it is the ideology that forms the base of their reports and that is where the economy is based. But the journalists suggested a couple of training programmes that is nationalistic. They are advised the leaders to begin championing a positive image of the continent for them to follow.

President Museveni wanted to know why journalists specialize in telling what he called “lies to the public and talk about issues they do not know”. The journalists pledged to reform as more training was now being carried out.

President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe claimed that a number of journalists are agents of what he named as the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), CNN and other western media. He, therefore, wondered whether they had any freedom to be impartial and objective when filing their reports.

He was informed that every media house has its own policy and as employees, they have to abide by the policy or risk losing their job. The journalists called on Smart Partnership leaders to ensure that the environment is conducive for them to operate. Journalists further recommended that African leaders should invest in the media.

King Mswati of Swaziland wondered whether it was possible for the media to pick good aspects done by some African leaders and promote them to serve as an example for others to emulate.

Zimbabwe’s 2nd Deputy Prime Minister Ms. Khupe wanted to know why the media is lopsided in their reports. The members of the media fraternity replied that on economic issues the media had gone a long way to promote positive developments on the continent. They also noted that communication is a two-way process and when information is not given, one cannot expect a good report.

Journalists, however, called on African leaders to be friendly with the media saying that they are true partners in development. The occasion was moderated by the Chief Executive Officer of the Vision Group Robert Kabushenga.