In Rabat, Morocco, twenty-five journalists from various African news agencies are participating in a five-day intensive training seminar aimed at enhancing their ability to combat the spread of misinformation and counter fake news. Hosted by the Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies (FAAPA) at the African Centre for Training of Journalists (CAFJ), the seminar is themed “Fact-Checking: Detection of fake news in media content.”
The seminar is a critical step toward equipping journalists with essential tools to maintain public trust in media by ensuring accuracy, credibility, and reliability in reporting. This initiative is seen as crucial in safeguarding democracy across the continent in an increasingly digital age where misinformation can spread rapidly.
Supported by partnerships with the Bank of Africa and Royal Air Moroc, the program aims to boost the journalists' capabilities in fact-checking. It includes acquiring both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to master techniques for verifying information reliability. The ultimate goal is to counteract the pervasive issues of fake news and mis/disinformation.
During his welcoming speech, Mr. Fouad ARIF, President of FAAPA and Director General of the Moroccan News Agency (MAP), stressed the urgency and relevance of the seminar. He highlighted the current challenges faced due to social networks and the proliferation of fake news, emphasizing the need for media to adopt innovative approaches to keep up with the rapid evolution of information systems.
The seminar will also facilitate the creation of a specialized platform for verifying information and multimedia content. Additionally, a guide on fact-checking practices will be developed, aimed at practical implementation post-training.
Mr. ARIF expressed his optimism about the outcomes of the seminar, foreseeing the establishment of a network of fact-checkers. This network will aim to enhance the exchange of information and coordination among journalists to more effectively combat misinformation.
Professional journalists and expert trainers are set to supervise various workshops, providing participants with crucial advice and strategies in their fact-checking efforts. Mr. Jean Bedel Ndandula, a facilitator from the Congolese Press Agency, underscored the importance of verifying information directly from the source as a fundamental aspect of journalism.
By training its journalists in these critical skills, FAAPA aims to strengthen the resilience of the media sector against the “increasingly worrying dimensions” of fake news, as described by Mr. ARIF, and ensure that African news agencies remain vigilant and effective in their crucial roles.