As from 4 October, BBC World News launched Africa Business Report, a new weekly
flagship business TV programme presented by South African Lerato Mbele, covering key
business stories and trends from across Africa.
Produced from the production centre in the BBC”s new business unit in Johannesburg,
Africa Business Report utilises the expertise of BBC correspondents in 48 African
countries. Each week the programme reports from across Africa on the latest business
and technology news, showcasing the latest trends across the continent, through a
mixture of on the ground reports and high profile interviews. Africa Business Report
broadcasts on prime-time television across the continent.
South African presenter Lerato Mbele has joined Africa Business Report from BBC World
Service breakfast radio programme, Newsday. In her new role, she reports for BBC
World News and BBC.com, in addition to reporting for BBC World Service. Prior to
joining the BBC, Mbele served as a senior business anchor for CNBC Africa when it
launched in 2007. She hosted a variety of business focused programming and specials
including presidential debates and the live CNBC Africa Debate at the World Economic
Forum in Africa in 2009. Mbele began her career at South Africa’s state-owned
broadcaster, SABC, and eventually served as an anchor for the channel’s daily news
show News at 10 and also fronted the weekly show, The Ambassadors.
BBC Global Business Editor, Peter Eustace said: “The BBC has a long history of
reporting to audiences across Africa and along with the daily newscast Focus on Africa,
Africa Business Report will continue that tradition. Africa is thriving, and not only does it
host some of the fastest growing economies in the world, but it is also leading the way
in a range of technology developments. We are very pleased that an experienced and
well respected presenter such as Lerato will be fronting the programme.’
Africa Business Report is broadcast on DStv channel 400 on: Friday 4 – Saturday 19
October at 20h40 (Fridays) and 12h10 & 22h10 (Saturdays); Friday 25 October –
Saturday 2 November at 21h40 (Fridays) and 12h10 & 22h10 (Saturdays); from Friday
8 November onwards on Fridays at 21h40 & Saturdays at 12h10 & 20h10.
