Why Source-Based Enquiries Still Matter in the Digital Age

There’s no shortage of information out there. Public records are digitised, databases are growing smarter, and AI can scrape and summarise just about anything you feed it. But when it comes to assessing risk and building a real-world understanding of counterparties in Africa, one thing still makes all the difference: the people we speak to.

At AfriIntel, we rely on a range of tools — from formal filings and media searches to proprietary databases. But the insight that’s most often critical, and least easily replicated, still comes from trusted human sources on the ground. These are the lawyers, former regulators, ex-employees, industry insiders and local fixers who know how business really gets done.

Digital tools are brilliant for confirming facts — but most of our clients aren’t looking for what’s already obvious. It’s easy to run a Google search and assume you’ve done enough. But in markets where records are patchy, under-reported, or politically sensitive, you’ll only see what someone wants you to see. A clean file doesn’t mean a clean record — and reputational issues rarely leave a digital paper trail.

Our work depends on local networks and discreet conversations. We don’t just chase rumours; we test them. We listen to what’s being said in boardrooms, barrooms and WhatsApp groups. And when we hear something concerning, we dig deeper — so our clients can act on intelligence, not assumptions.

In a data-rich world, it's still people who bring the real insight.

If you're making decisions in Africa and want more than what's publicly available, get in touch.