LEAST BIASED
These sources have minimal bias and use very few loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes). The reporting is factual and usually sourced. These are the most credible media sources. See all Least Biased Sources.
- Overall, we rate Africa Confidential as Least Biased due to its focus on factual geopolitical and economic reporting without clear partisan or ideological framing. We also rate them as High for factual reporting, based on their decades-long track record, reliance on regional correspondents, and detailed analysis, with only a minor deduction for reliance on anonymous sourcing.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEAST BIASED (-1.8)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.5)
Country: United Kingdom
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Africa Confidential is a subscription-only newsletter covering African politics and economics since 1960. It was founded by six individuals under Miramoor Publications and became known as “The Blue Sheet” for its early format. Today it is published by Asempa Limited, headquartered in the UK, with editorial offices in London and subscriptions managed from Cambridge. The publication emphasizes its network of anonymous local correspondents for safety reasons, which has been its model since inception.
Read our profile on the UK’s government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
Asempa Limited privately owns Africa Confidential and operates on a subscription model. Articles are not syndicated to other outlets, ensuring exclusivity. Revenue is derived from institutional and individual subscribers, including governments, NGOs, corporations, and academics, as outlined on the About page.
Analysis / Bias
Coverage focuses on African governance, corruption, trade, and geopolitics, often providing in-depth analysis unavailable elsewhere. For example, its Lesotho coverage (“Tariff shock, aid cuts and graft scandals”) details the interplay between U.S. tariffs and domestic corruption.
“Putin’s gambit in the Sahel” explores Russian influence in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, contrasting it with France’s withdrawal. “Tariff calamity deepens rift with Washington” analyzes U.S.–South Africa tensions over trade policy.
Articles are analytical, use regionally based reporting, and are grounded in verifiable events. The reliance on anonymous correspondents slightly reduces transparency but is explained by security concerns. Overall, coverage is factual and avoids overt ideological slant, though it occasionally reflects a pro-democracy, anti-corruption framing common to professional investigative reporting.
Failed Fact Checks
- No failed fact checks were found for Africa Confidential, and the publication maintains a reputation for reliability within academic and policy circles.
Overall, we rate Africa Confidential as Least Biased due to its focus on factual geopolitical and economic reporting without clear partisan or ideological framing. We also rate them as High for factual reporting, based on their decades-long track record, reliance on regional correspondents, and detailed analysis, with only a minor deduction for reliance on anonymous sourcing. (D. Van Zandt 09/08/2025)
Source: https://www.africa-confidential.com/
Last Updated on September 8, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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