Start with a defined scope
Write down the sector, area, business type and exclusions. ‘Restaurant-equipment suppliers serving Cairo’ is easier to assess than ‘all companies in Egypt.’ Decide whether you need a company, branch or location as the unit of analysis.
Document how the information will be used before collecting it. Public business information and personal contact information require different judgments about necessity and appropriate use.
Evaluate what each source covers
Compare official directories, company websites and permitted business-search sources. An ICT-focused directory, such as ITIDA's company database, has a sector-specific purpose and should not be treated as a complete list of every Egyptian business.
Review a sample against the original sources. Check fields, sector coverage, update practices and permissions. An export created today can still contain records that have not been verified recently.
Create a simple field dictionary
| Field | Definition | Review note |
|---|---|---|
| Business name | The published business or company name | Keep the original spelling |
| Location | City or address as supplied | Distinguish branches from separate companies |
| Source URL | Where the record can be reviewed | Retain provenance |
| Verification date | When a field or record was actually checked | Do not substitute the file export date |
| Review status | Included, excluded or needs checking | Record the reason for the decision |
Keep the list maintainable
- Save an untouched copy of the original file and document the source.
- Normalize formats in a working copy without deleting the original values.
- Review duplicates using more than a business name alone.
- Verify a sample and record missing fields and exclusion reasons.
- Set an update process based on how the list is used, and remove information no longer needed.
Check a sample before buying or committing to a source
- What sector and geographic area does it actually cover?
- When were records verified, and how is that date defined?
- Which fields are available, and how are missing values represented?
- What permissions apply to storage, sharing and contact?
- Can you evaluate a sample and understand the update process?
Frequently asked questions
Does a large row count prove good coverage?+
No. Duplicates, irrelevant records, branches and old information can inflate the count. Judge the list against its defined purpose.
Can AuraData help build the list?+
It can support permitted business research and exports using its verified tools. It does not promise a complete database of all companies in Egypt.