Editorial Standards

Africa Biz Monitor is committed to the highest standards of journalism and editorial excellence. Our editorial standards guide all our reporting, ensuring that our readers receive accurate, fair, and well-researched information about business and economic developments in South Africa and across Africa. Accuracy and Verification Accuracy is the foundation of our journalism. Every factual claim in our reporting must be verified through reliable sources before publication. Our reporters are required to confirm information through multiple independent sources whenever possible, particularly for claims that are controversial, surprising, or likely to impact individuals or organizations. We distinguish clearly between established facts, analysis, and opinion. Headlines and summaries must accurately reflect the content of the article and not overstate or sensationalize findings. Sourcing and Attribution We maintain transparent sourcing practices. Information should be attributed to named sources whenever possible, with specific titles and affiliations provided. When sources request anonymity, we grant it only when the information is newsworthy and the source's identity cannot be protected otherwise. We never publish information from anonymous sources without corroboration from at least one additional source. Our reporters document all sources and maintain detailed notes supporting their reporting, which are available for editorial review. Independence and Conflicts of Interest Editorial independence is non-negotiable. Our newsroom operates independently from our business and advertising operations. Advertising does not influence editorial decisions, and no advertiser receives favorable coverage or editorial protection. Our journalists must disclose any personal, financial, or professional relationships that could create conflicts of interest. This includes financial holdings, family relationships with sources, and previous employment. When conflicts exist, journalists recuse themselves from coverage or clearly disclose the conflict to editors and readers. Corrections and Accountability We acknowledge that errors can occur despite our careful verification processes. When errors are identified, we correct them promptly and transparently. All corrections are clearly marked and dated. Significant errors receive prominent corrections notices. We maintain a public corrections log and take responsibility for our mistakes. Readers can report errors through our dedicated corrections desk, and we commit to reviewing all reports thoroughly. AI Use and Disclosure Africa Biz Monitor uses artificial intelligence tools to assist with research, fact-checking, and content organization. However, all final editorial decisions, reporting, and bylined content are produced by human journalists. We disclose AI use in article production when it materially affects how readers should understand the content. We do not use AI to generate original news reporting or to replace human journalists. Our commitment to human editorial judgment ensures accountability and maintains the quality of our journalism. Reader Trust Our reputation depends on the trust of our readers. We are transparent about our methods, acknowledge uncertainty, and correct errors. We welcome feedback and engage constructively with our audience. These standards apply equally to all our content, whether published online, in newsletters, or through other channels.