1. Introduction

Native Media is a Pan-African media-tech platform transforming how African stories are created, shared, and experienced.

Our editorial policy guides the creation, production, and dissemination of content across all our platforms — ensuring accuracy, fairness, and integrity in every story we tell.

We believe in narrative ownership, transparency, and responsible storytelling that empowers Africans to thrive globally.

2. Editorial Mission

To produce and distribute credible, engaging, and solutions-driven stories that reflect Africa’s realities, celebrate innovation, and inspire growth, while adhering to global standards of journalistic ethics and accountability.

3. Core Editorial Values

4. Editorial Structure

Native Media operates through three interconnected divisions:

• Native Voices: Produces multimedia features, documentaries, and digital stories that localize, globalize, and elevate African narratives.
• Native Labs: Equips creators with digital, communication, and creative skills, embedding ethical content creation in all training.
• Native Tech: Provides creators with tools, platforms, and infrastructure for responsible storytelling and distribution.

Each division adheres to this policy to ensure consistency, credibility, and trust across all outputs.

5. Content Standards

a. Accuracy and Verification

• All content must be fact-checked by an editorial lead before publication.
• Anonymous sources are used only when essential and with approval from the managing editor.
• Data and multimedia must be attributed to credible sources.

b. Attribution and Plagiarism

• Plagiarism is strictly prohibited.
• Quotes, visuals, and external content must be properly credited.

c. Objectivity and Fairness

• We represent all sides of a story fairly.
• Editors and contributers must ensure language remains neutral and respectful.

d. Corrections and Updates

• Errors are corrected transparently with clear notes indicating the correction date and nature.

e. Privacy and Consent

• We obtain consent before publishing personal stories, images, or sensitive data.
• We avoid harm to vulnerable groups or individuals.

f. AI and Technology Use

• AI tools may assist with research, transcription, or visuals but final editorial judgment rests with human editors.

6. Ethical Guidelines for Partnerships and Sponsorships

• Sponsored or branded content must be clearly labeled (“Sponsored by”, “In partnership with”).
• Editorial independence is never compromised by advertisers or funders.
• All partnerships align with Native Media’s values and mission.

7. Diversity and Inclusion

• We commit to gender balance in sources, representation, and storytelling.
• We prioritize underrepresented voices — rural youth, women innovators, and grassroots entrepreneurs.
• Multilingual content (English, Swahili, French, etc.) is encouraged to expand accessibility.

8. Safety and Wellbeing

• We prioritize the safety of journalists, creators, and partners in the field.
• We provide guidance on digital security, data protection, and mental health support for content teams.

9. Correction Policy

When a factual error occurs:

1. The editorial team investigates the issue.
2. A correction note is added to the story, dated and signed off by the Managing Editor.
3. Major retractions are accompanied by a public statement explaining the reason.

10. Implementation and Review

• All staff, contributors, and partners must read and sign the Editorial Policy before publishing.
• The policy is reviewed annually to align with evolving digital standards, the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) framework, and AfCFTA creative trade goals.

11. Conclusion

Through this policy, Native Media commits to being a trusted, transparent, and transformative voice in Africa’s creative and media ecosystem — empowering storytellers to shape a new narrative for Africa, by Africa.

Editorial Policy: Conflicts of Interest

1. Purpose

To preserve the credibility, integrity, and independence of our editorial work, all contributors, editors, and collaborators must avoid situations that could create real, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest. Our audience’s trust depends on the assurance that all content is guided solely by truth, fairness, and the public interest—not by personal, financial, or political influence.

2. Definition

A conflict of interest arises when personal, financial, or other outside interests compromise—or appear to compromise—editorial independence and judgment.

Conflicts may be:

• Real: The conflict actually affects editorial decisions.
• Potential: The conflict could influence decisions in the future.
• Perceived: A reasonable observer might believe influence exists, even if it does not.

3. General Principles

• Editorial decisions must be made independently of advertisers, sponsors, or partners.
• Contributers must disclose any personal or financial interests that could affect their work.
• When a conflict cannot be avoided, it must be openly declared and managed transparently.
• The appearance of bias can be as damaging as actual bias, avoid both.

4. Specific Guidelines

a. Financial Interests

• Do not cover or produce content about a company, organization, or product in which you or a close relative hold a financial interest, unless disclosed and approved by editorial leadership.
• Accepting gifts, payments, or favors from sources, advertisers, or partners is strictly prohibited.

b. Personal Relationships

• Disclose any family, friendship, or romantic relationship with a source, subject, or organization relevant to your work.
• You should not edit, commission, or report on stories involving people or entities with whom you have such ties.

c. Sponsored or Partnered Content

• Sponsored or branded content must be clearly labeled and separated from editorial content.
• Native Media retains editorial control over all published content, regardless of partnership or sponsorship.

d. Political Activity

• Contributers must not use their position to promote personal political views or affiliations.
• Participation in political campaigning or advocacy work should be disclosed and may limit your editorial assignments.

e. Outside Work and Endorsements

• Any outside employment, consultancy, or speaking engagement that overlaps with your editorial role must be disclosed in advance.
• Personal endorsements (including on social media) of products, companies, or political figures are discouraged.

5. Disclosure and Review Process

• All contributors must submit a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form annually or upon joining the platform.
• If a potential conflict arises, it must be reported immediately to the Editorial Director.
• The leadership team will assess, record, and determine whether the conflict can be managed or if reassignment is necessary.

6. Enforcement

Breaches of this policy will be treated seriously and may result in disciplinary action, including termination of contracts or partnerships.

7. Guiding Principle

“Our credibility is our currency. When our audience doubts our independence, we lose their trust—and without trust, stories lose their power

For more information, contact:

info@nativemedia.africa