DW Akademie in Morocco

Compared with other countries in the region, Morocco has a relatively high political stability and a strong civil society. The kingdom is seen as a key partner in German and European foreign policy and as a link between the EU and countries in both North Africa and the sub-Saharan continent.  Despite reform efforts, however, human rights remain critical, especially concerning freedom of expression and freedom of the press. Reporters Without Borders’ World Free Press Index 2024 ranks Morocco at 129 out of 180 countries.  

A reform process towards more democracy and the rule of law has been underway since 2011. It includes decentralization efforts due to the major development gap between three major cities – Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakesh – and the rest of the country. This is reflected in the uneven supply of local information.   

Morocco's media market is concentrated in the country's economic center. Professional, local journalism is lacking elsewhere. Commercial media operate mainly online portals and depend on advertising revenues. Since the largest customer is the state, it can force favorable reporting through the selective and non-transparent awarding of contracts. Restrictive laws further limit press freedom and freedom of expression, and the media sector continues to suffer from the economic impact of the corona virus and the war in Ukraine. 

A reform process towards more democracy and the rule of law has been underway since 2011. It includes decentralization efforts due to the major development gap between three major cities – Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakesh – and the rest of the country. This is reflected in the uneven supply of local information.   

This has led to restricted social dialogue and the polarization of various population groups. Given the sparce media coverage of issues affecting the rural population, disadvantaged population groups have difficulties in finding relevant information and making their issues heard.  

Community media play a special role here because they are linked to civil society organizations and enjoy their political protection. Although not officially recognized as media by the 2016 Press Act, community media are tolerated by the authorities and are now established in the country’s various regions. This ensures that locally relevant issues are addressed and publicized. In Morocco, community media are referred to as the “third sector” in the media landscape or as “civil society media” alongside state and commercial media.   

Morrocco's community media have become a driving force for freedom of expression, bringing issues and concerns of vulnerable population groups into the public discourse, and counteracting socially and politically induced “shrinking spaces.” Community media contribute to the free exchange of information and social dialogue and help raise awareness of issues such as violence against women, radicalization and environmental problems.  

Our activities

DW Akademie has been active in Morocco since 2011 and, building on projects run between 2020 and 2022, is now strengthening the community media’s network and improving its overall framework.

Download our latest evaluation report for Morocco here.

Together with the Forum des Alternatives Maroc (FMAS), it is developing an advocacy strategy so that community media can gain recognition, better represent their interests and become an integral part of Morocco's media landscape.   

Journalistic reporting and a dialogue on issues affecting vulnerable groups are also being promoted to increase community media’s relevance and visibility, and to further expand their role in bringing socio-political issues into the national discourse.  

To support the decentralization of Morocco's media sector, DW Akademie and FMAS are launching a pilot model for a regional competence center for community media. This could then take the lead as a center for networking, knowledge development and transfer in different regions.  

DW Akademie and FMAS are also implementing a project that is funded by the Delegation of the European Union in Morocco. It aims to qualify young people – especially young women – for the labor market and increase their long-term participation in public life.  

Funding: German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), EU Delegation in Rabat

Program Director: Khalid El Kaoutit  

Locations: Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Khémissat, Taliouine, and other locations

Local partners: Forum des Alternatives Maroc (FMAS), 100% Mamansin Tangier, L'Association des Jeundes Avocats de Khémisset,Forum Initiatives Jeunesse in Taliouine, Association Gorarain Casablanca

Focus: Political and legal frameworks, social participation, professional and economic sustainability of the media sector