Our Editorial Policy outlines the standards and principles that guide all content published by NGO Africa Watch. We are committed to upholding the highest journalistic standards, ensuring every story is accurate, fair, and impactful. The following pillars define our editorial approach:

Independence & Integrity

NGO Africa Watch exercises full editorial independence in pursuit of truth. We operate free from outside influence, whether from donors, governments, or corporate interests. Independence is sacrosanct – we do not accept funding that comes with any attempt to steer or suppress our reporting​. Donors and partners have no role in our editorial decision-making and are not permitted to review or approve content before publication​.

Our journalists and editors maintain an impartial, arm’s-length relationship with all sources and stakeholders, ensuring that what we publish is free of bias and undue pressure. We avoid conflicts of interest by recusals or disclosures: if a staff member or contributor has a personal or financial connection to a story subject, this is transparently disclosed or the person abstains from the coverage. Integrity is central to our practice – all staff and contributors are expected to act ethically and honorably in gathering and presenting news.

Accuracy & Fact-Checking

We strive for absolute accuracy in every article. Our reporters and contributors are required to thoroughly fact-check all information, statistics, and quotations prior to publication. Claims are verified using credible sources and, when possible, corroborated by multiple independent perspectives. We provide context so that facts are presented in a truthful way and not misrepresented or taken out of context. Complex issues (such as public health data or legal details) are reviewed with subject experts to avoid errors.

We also adhere to the principle of evidence-based reporting – prioritizing solid data, documents, and first-hand accounts. If we cite a report or study, we attribute it clearly. Our commitment to accuracy means that speed will never trump verification: we would rather be right than be first. In cases where information cannot be verified to our satisfaction, we either refrain from publishing it or clearly note the uncertainty.

Impartiality & Fairness

Our coverage is nonpartisan and guided by fairness. We approach every topic – even controversial ones – with an open mind and a balanced perspective. Journalists at NGO Africa Watch seek out diverse viewpoints, especially from those directly affected by the issue at hand. We give voice to marginalized and local communities, not just officials or elites, ensuring a more complete picture. While our focus on human rights and social justice is clear, we do not push any ideological agenda; rather, we let the facts and testimonies speak for themselves. In investigative pieces, subjects of criticism are given a right of reply when possible, and their responses or denials are included to provide fairness.

We avoid sensationalism and overly graphic content; when reporting on traumatic events or sensitive issues, we do so with compassion and respect for the dignity of those involved. Humanity is one of our core values in journalism – we aim to minimize harm and avoid fueling hate or prejudice​. Our tone remains professional and factual, and we distinguish clearly between news reporting and opinion. If an article expresses analysis or editorial viewpoints, it will be clearly labeled as an opinion or analysis piece, separate from straight news.

Transparency to Readers

Transparency is crucial for accountability. We believe our readers have the right to know how our journalism is produced. To this end, we are open about our processes and ethical stance. Key information such as the author’s identity (or explanation if kept anonymous for security reasons) and the date of publication are always provided. If an article is the result of a partnership or sponsorship (for example, produced with support from a partner organization or donor on a specific project), we disclose that within the content. We also indicate the sources of our information within stories whenever appropriate, through attributions, hyperlinks, or citations.

When we make editorial choices (like using pseudonyms for sources or withholding certain details to protect someone’s safety), we often explain the reasoning in an editor’s note so readers understand our decisions. Moreover, we are transparent about our editorial standards themselves – hence publishing this Editorial Policy and our Code of Conduct openly. By being candid about who we are and how we work, we strengthen the public’s trust. As media experts advise, newsrooms must “maximize their independence” and show their commitment to transparency in order to retain credibility​.

NGO Africa Watch holds itself accountable to the public and to the facts. If we discover that we published something erroneous or misleading, we act swiftly to correct it. Corrections or clarifications are clearly posted, with an explanation of what was wrong and the accurate information, typically appended at the end of the online article (or in a subsequent note for multimedia). We do not quietly scrub mistakes; our policy is to acknowledge errors openly and learn from them. Readers are encouraged to point out any inaccuracies or issues by contacting our editors through provided channels.

We review all feedback in good faith. In cases where an issue is a matter of interpretation or emphasis rather than factual error, we may publish a clarification or invite further discussion. Our aim is to maintain accuracy over time – even articles published months or years ago may be updated if new, vital information comes to light. Accountability also means ethical accountability: if any of our staff or contributors violate our standards (for instance, by plagiarizing or misquoting), we will address it transparently and take appropriate action internally to prevent recurrence. Ultimately, we answer to our readers and the communities we report on. We believe that owning up to mistakes is part of honest journalism and is essential for maintaining the integrity of our work.

Open Access & Collaboration

As part of our commitment to the public good, all NGO Africa Watch content is freely accessible. We do not have paywalls, and we actively encourage the republishing of our articles by other outlets to maximize their impact. In fact, all of our content is free to read and republish under our editorial policy (with proper attribution), whereas many media organizations charge fees for re-use​.

We embrace open content distribution because it helps important stories reach communities that need the information. Our articles are published under a liberal license (such as Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivatives) that allows for wide dissemination while preserving our authors’ credit. Media outlets, researchers, and educators are welcome to share our stories, provided they credit NGO Africa Watch and do not alter the meaning of the content.

We also routinely share our content through a network of partners and syndication channels. Currently, our journalism is disseminated to more than 50 partner websites and platforms worldwide, giving our content an estimated global reach of around 1 million readers per month​. This collaborative approach amplifies underreported African voices on the world stage and fosters a community of informed readers.

Additionally, we collaborate with other news organizations and NGOs on investigative projects when appropriate – pooling resources and expertise for greater impact. Any such collaborations are done in line with our editorial standards, and we maintain editorial control to uphold our quality and independence. By operating in a spirit of collaboration rather than competition, NGO Africa Watch aligns with the ethos of sustainable journalism and collective progress.

In summary, our Editorial Policy ensures that NGO Africa Watch’s reporting remains trustworthy, independent, and focused on the public interest. Every member of our editorial team and every contributor is expected to understand and follow these guidelines. These principles are not just words on paper – they are practiced daily as we decide what to cover and how to cover it. Through these standards, we aim to fulfill our duty as an ethical journalism platform serving Africa and the world.​

Code of Conduct

NGO Africa Watch’s Code of Conduct provides ethical guidelines for all our contributors and staff. It complements our Editorial Policy by outlining the personal and professional conduct expected from our journalists, editors, and anyone representing the organization. All team members must adhere to the following principles:

• Integrity and Honesty: Team members must uphold the highest standards of integrity in their work. This means never plagiarizing, never fabricating information, and never misrepresenting oneself or one’s intentions. All content is produced and edited truthfully. If we make a mistake, we correct it – there is zero tolerance for covering up errors or deceit. Trust is our most valuable asset, and every staffer and contributor is responsible for preserving it.

• Editorial Independence: Staff and contributors are required to maintain independence from outside influences. Personal political or ideological beliefs should not skew our reporting. Likewise, no journalist at NGO Africa Watch shall accept gifts, favors, or payment from sources or subjects that could compromise their objectivity. We avoid any activities or secondary employment that might conflict with our journalism mission. Our team members never let the interests of donors, advertisers, or allied organizations dictate content. As a nonprofit newsroom, we recognize that no grant or donation is worth trading away our editorial freedom​.

• Impartiality and Non-Discrimination: All employees and contributors must treat people fairly and without prejudice. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic – neither in our coverage nor in our workplace. In reporting, this means giving all relevant parties a fair opportunity to share their perspective. In the workplace, it means fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is respected and valued. Harassment, hate speech, or demeaning behavior is strictly prohibited. Every member of the team should contribute to a culture of respect and equity, both in internal communications and public interactions.

• Respect for Rights and Dignity: Our journalists will respect the rights, safety, and dignity of others. When dealing with vulnerable sources or sensitive stories, such as survivors of trauma or whistleblowers, team members must use compassion and care. We honor requests for anonymity when warranted (for example, to protect someone from retribution) and handle all personal data with confidentiality and in line with privacy laws. We also respect intellectual property rights: when we use third-party material (quotes, images, research), we do so with permission or under fair use, and always with proper attribution. We credit our sources and never pass off others’ work as our own.

• Accuracy and Accountability: Everyone involved in content creation is responsible for the accuracy of their work. Reporters must double-check facts and figures; editors must verify and challenge assertions during the editing process. If a piece of content is found to have an error or is challenged for accuracy, the team will investigate promptly. All staff and contributors are expected to cooperate in correcting the record. We hold ourselves accountable by welcoming constructive criticism and engaging with feedback from our audience. Internally, any breach of editorial standards (such as publishing unverified information or using misleading footage) will lead to review and possible disciplinary action. Upholding accuracy is a collective duty, and it’s embedded in our culture.

• Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest: Staff and contributors must avoid situations that could compromise their impartiality or integrity. This includes financial conflicts (e.g., holding investments or stakes in companies one reports on), personal conflicts (e.g., writing about family or close friends without disclosure), or any political involvement that would call our neutrality into question. If any potential conflict of interest arises, it must be disclosed to the editors immediately. We either eliminate the conflict (e.g., reassign the story) or openly disclose it to readers if it’s unavoidable and minor. Our goal is to ensure our audience never has reason to doubt that our reporting is serving them, and only them.

• Professionalism and Collegiality: We expect all team members to behave professionally in all settings – whether in the field, in the office, or online. This includes exercising good judgment, courtesy, and resilience under pressure. Journalists often work in difficult conditions, but even then, they must strive to represent NGO Africa Watch honorably. Within our team, we promote a supportive environment: senior staff should mentor and guide junior colleagues, and everyone should be open to dialogue and collaboration. Bullying or exploitation of any kind within the team is not tolerated. We also abide by the laws and regulations relevant to our work (for instance, obtaining necessary media accreditations or respecting court orders on reporting certain details). However, if a law unjustly restricts press freedom or access to information, we will challenge it through proper legal channels rather than violate our ethical commitment to inform the public.

• Source Protection and Ethical Gathering of News: Our code requires that we protect the confidentiality of sources who provide information on condition of anonymity, especially whistleblowers or those at risk. We take source protection seriously – encrypting communications and refusing to reveal a source’s identity when we have promised confidentiality. Additionally, when gathering news, our journalists employ ethical methods: we identify ourselves as journalists unless doing so would put someone in imminent danger or make it impossible to obtain information of crucial public interest (and any such exceptions must be discussed and approved by senior editors). We do not engage in entrapment, and we do not pay for interviews or information as that can encourage unreliable testimony. Any undercover reporting or use of hidden cameras is extremely rare and would require editorial oversight, a clear public-interest justification, and compliance with the law and journalistic norms.

• Transparency and Open Communication: Internally, staff should be honest and forthcoming with colleagues and supervisors. If a mistake is made, it should be reported internally so we can fix it. If a story is developing in an unexpected way or if a journalist’s perspective on it changes with new information, they should communicate that – openness leads to better teamwork and better journalism. Externally, while we protect sensitive information (as noted above), we also strive to be approachable to the public. Our journalists and editors often engage with readers through comments, events, or social media in a respectful manner. Any public communications by staff that relate to our work should adhere to the same standards of truth and respect – for example, no spreading unverified information on social platforms. Staff and contributors are reminded that even on personal social media, their conduct can reflect on our organization’s reputation. Thus, they are advised to maintain professionalism online and avoid conflicts such as expressing partisan opinions about topics we cover, which could create a perception of bias.

This Code of Conduct is not exhaustive, but it captures the spirit of ethical behavior that NGO Africa Watch expects. We review and update these guidelines periodically to address new challenges (such as evolving digital media ethics). All team members must read and agree to this code as a condition of their association with us. By following these principles, we ensure that our work remains credible and our workplace remains safe and inclusive. We believe that ethical journalism and ethical conduct go hand in hand – upholding these standards is how we “hold ourselves accountable” just as we hold powerful institutions accountable in our reporting​.

Every story we publish and every action we take should reflect the values of accuracy, independence, impartiality, humanity, and accountability​. By living these values, NGO Africa Watch can continue to serve as a beacon of trustworthy journalism in Africa’s media landscape. We invite our readers and partners to hold us to these commitments, and we pledge to continually earn the confidence placed in us.