Editorial Standards

Why Editorial Standards Matter

AfricaTells was founded on a clear principle: credibility is not a marketing position — it is an institutional obligation. Every article, analysis, interview, and opinion piece published on AfricaTells is subject to the editorial standards set out in this document.

These standards exist to protect our readers, our sources, and the reputation of African journalism. They are not aspirational — they are operational requirements that every editor, writer, and contributor must meet.

Core Editorial Principles

All editorial work at AfricaTells is governed by five non-negotiable principles.

Sourcing & Verification

Every substantive claim published in an AfricaTells article must be supported by at least one credible, verifiable source. Our sourcing standards apply to all editorial verticals — Business, Top 10 Africa, Diplomatic Corner, and Exclusive Reports.

Acceptable Source Categories

• Official government statements, press releases, and reports
• Regulatory filings, court documents, and public records
• Direct interviews with named sources on the record
• Published research from recognised academic or institutional sources
• Established newswire services and credible media organisations
• Official company announcements and financial disclosures
• Data from multilateral institutions (AU, IMF, World Bank, UN agencies, etc.)

Anonymous Sources

AfricaTells shall protect confidential sources where necessary and ethically justified. Anonymous sourcing should be used carefully and only when all three conditions are met:

• The information is significant and serves the public interest
• The information can be independently verified through at least one other means
• The public interest in publication outweighs the risk of anonymity

Anonymous sources must be described to readers in sufficient contextual detail (e.g. "a senior government official familiar with the matter") so that readers can assess the basis of the claim. AfricaTells will never use anonymous sourcing as a shortcut to avoid responsible verification.

Social Media as a Source

Social media content — including posts, statements, and videos from public figures — may be cited when verified as authentic and relevant. Social media rumour, unverified claims, and community speculation shall never be treated as reportable fact without independent corroboration.

Editorial Independence

AfricaTells editorial operations shall remain institutionally independent from all commercial, political, and external influence.

• Advertising and sponsorship partnerships shall not determine, influence, or shape editorial direction, story selection, or coverage decisions
• Sponsored content, branded insights, and paid editorial partnerships must be clearly and prominently labelled as sponsored — never presented as independent editorial reporting
• No advertiser, sponsor, or external organisation may request that AfricaTells suppress, modify, or favour any story in exchange for commercial support
• Editorial staff must disclose any personal, financial, or professional conflicts of interest to the Editor-in-Chief before covering related subjects

Artificial Intelligence & Technology Policy

AfricaTells recognises that AI tools have a legitimate role in supporting journalism workflows. However, the use of AI is strictly governed to protect editorial integrity and maintain human accountability for all published content.

Permitted AI Uses

• Transcription of interviews and recorded material
• Organisation and summarisation of research materials for journalist review
• Translation assistance (subject to human review and verification)
• Workflow efficiency and administrative support

Prohibited AI Uses

• AI-generated text may not be published as AfricaTells editorial content
• AI tools may not be used to fabricate, invent, or hallucinate facts, quotes, or data
• AI summarisation of source documents does not substitute for direct verification by a human journalist

Plagiarism Policy

AfricaTells maintains zero tolerance for plagiarism in any form.

• All writers must produce original, independently reported work
• All sources — quotes, data, research, reporting, images, and third-party material — must be properly attributed
• Close paraphrasing of competitor reporting without attribution is treated as plagiarism
• Republishing or aggregating press releases without original reporting or analysis is not acceptable editorial practice at AfricaTells

Writers found to have plagiarised content will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the platform. Published plagiarised content will be corrected or retracted with a clear editor's note.

Diplomatic Corner Standards

AfricaTells' Diplomatic Corner covers African diplomacy, foreign policy, geopolitics, and multilateral affairs. Content published under this vertical is held to the following standards:

• Source diversity: Diplomatic reporting must draw from multiple credible sources — official statements, policy documents, and independent expert analysis
• Contextual depth: Stories must provide sufficient historical and geopolitical context for readers to understand the significance of developments
• Political neutrality: AfricaTells does not advocate for any government, political bloc, or foreign policy position — coverage must reflect multiple perspectives where they exist
• Verification: Claims about diplomatic positions, treaties, or official statements must be verified against primary sources or official records

Content AfricaTells Will Not Publish

• Unverified diplomatic claims or unattributed government positions
• Content that serves as propaganda for any state or political actor
• Analysis that misrepresents the positions of governments, institutions, or diplomats
• Speculation presented as confirmed diplomatic fact

Exclusive Reports Standards

AfricaTells' Exclusive Reports vertical publishes original investigations, executive interviews, leadership profiles, and premium long-form journalism. Content under this vertical is held to the highest editorial standards:

• All quoted statements must be accurately transcribed from recorded interviews or confirmed in writing by the subject
• Investigative claims must be supported by documentary evidence, multiple independent sources, or on-record statements
• Subjects of critical reporting must be given a fair and reasonable opportunity to respond before publication
• Exclusive Reports content must not be used as vehicles for undisclosed commercial promotion — any sponsorship must be clearly disclosed
• Editors retain the right to withhold publication where editorial independence or source safety cannot be maintained

Editorial Contact & Complaints

Readers, sources, and subjects who have concerns about AfricaTells editorial content — including alleged factual inaccuracies, unfair treatment, or breaches of these standards — may contact our editorial team directly.

For correction requests, please see our Corrections Policy. AfricaTells is committed to responding to editorial complaints in good faith and in a timely manner.