As part of ARIJ’s regional initiatives to enhance media and academic collaborations, Ethar Azem, Executive Editor and Member of the Editorial Committee at ARIJ, undertook a working visit to the Kingdom of Morocco in June 2025. During the visit, she engaged in professional and training sessions with leading media and academic institutions and facilitated an advanced workshop on data journalism and its pivotal role in fighting corruption.

Training Workshop: Data Journalism and Combating Corruption

In collaboration with the National Authority for Integrity, Prevention, and Fight Against Corruption in Morocco, ARIJ organized an intensive training workshop titled “Data Journalism and Its Role in Combating Corruption.” The workshop brought together 18 journalists representing 15 Moroccan media outlets, alongside several independent journalists.

The five-day workshop, held from June 23 to 27, covered the fundamentals of data journalism and focused on generating story ideas that address corruption through data analysis and the monitoring of key indicators.

Signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Al3omk Almaghribi Newspaper

ARIJ signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the electronic newspaper Al3omk Almaghribi to strengthen joint cooperation in the field of investigative journalism. Mohamed Laghrous, Editor-in-Chief of Al3omk Almaghribi, affirmed that this partnership reflects the newspaper’s commitment to developing journalists’ skills, especially in investigative journalism.

During the signing, Ethar Azem emphasized ARIJ’s dedication to promoting a culture of investigative journalism by empowering journalists through specialized training courses that equip them with essential skills, as well as providing support for the production of investigative reporting, aiming to strengthen journalism’s watchdog role. She also highlighted ARIJ’s commitment to expanding its network of publishing partners interested in investigative journalism.

Visit to Hespress Electronic Newspaper

As part of ARIJ’s ongoing efforts to broaden cooperation and establish direct communication with media institutions across the Arab world, Ethar Azem met with the management of the electronic newspaper Hespress. During the visit, she held a meeting with Editor-in-Chief Abdelrahim Al-Asri and Head of Public Relations and Communications Amin Al-Khiari, joined by journalist Amal Kenin.

This visit aims to strengthen partnerships and explore new avenues for collaboration with prominent media organizations.

Visit to the Moroccan National Press Syndicate

The visit also featured meetings with representatives of the Moroccan National Press Syndicate, focusing on strengthening ties with the Moroccan journalism community. The discussions included an introduction to ARIJ’s methodology in investigative reporting and fact-checking, as well as the core principles guiding its training programs and editorial support.

Signing a Partnership Agreement with the University of Moulay Ismail – Meknes

As part of its academic initiatives, ARIJ signed a partnership agreement with the University of Moulay Ismail in Meknes.

Ethar Azem also took part in a special session with university students, organized by the “Semiolinguistics and the Dialectics of Creativity and Criticism Lab” in collaboration with the university’s Department of Journalism and Media. During the session, she delivered a presentation on the fundamentals of investigative journalism and data journalism, emphasizing the significance of incorporating investigative approaches in both academic and media work.

Visit to the Higher Institute of Journalism and Communication – Casablanca

In Casablanca, Ethar Azem visited the Higher Institute of Journalism and Communication, where she met with the institute’s director, Mr. Ahmed Talal, and several faculty members to explore opportunities for academic collaboration between the institute and ARIJ.

During her visit, Azem delivered a lecture titled “Investigative Journalism: From Hypothesis to Publication,” in which she discussed ARIJ’s investigative reporting methodology with students and outlined the workflow and processes ARIJ uses to produce thorough investigations.