This archive report was first published on 27 July 2019.
Larry Madowo, the BBC Africa Business Editor, has left the international broadcaster after a year to pursue a prestigious fellowship at Columbia University in New York City. The Kenyan journalist will spend the next year studying business and economics at the esteemed institution, earning a Ksh6 million stipend.
Madowo joined the BBC in April 2018 from NTV, where he was a prime time news anchor and talkshow host. He is one of the 44th Knight-Bagehot Fellowship in Business and Economics at the Columbia Journalism School, a program that attracts top media professionals from around the world.
During his time at the BBC, Madowo has been a vocal advocate for more nuanced coverage of African affairs. In a recent opinion piece, he argued that Western media often portray Africa as a continent plagued by war, famine, and disease, when in fact the continent is doing just fine.
His departure from the BBC comes as debate rages online over his opinion piece, with some critics accusing him of being overly optimistic about Africa's prospects. However, Madowo's colleagues at the BBC have rallied around him, hosting a farewell party at the Ngong Forest Sanctuary in Nairobi to see him off.
As Madowo embarks on this new chapter in his career, he will be joining a community of esteemed journalists and academics at Columbia University. The fellowship provides full tuition and a living stipend, allowing Madowo to focus on his studies and develop his skills as a journalist.
Meanwhile, Caroline Korobia has been appointed acting Business Editor for Africa, pending the appointment of a substantive editor. The position has been advertised internally at the BBC, with the holder expected to serve for the duration of Madowo's fellowship.
