Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information: When you create an account on Afconnex, we collect your name, email address, phone number, and business details including company name, registration number, and business address.

Profile Information: Depending on your account type:

• Buyers: Industry sector, procurement needs, company size, and purchasing history
• Suppliers: Manufacturing capabilities, product catalogs, certifications, export licenses, and production capacity

Transaction Data: Details of RFQs submitted, quotes received, orders placed, payment information, and delivery tracking data.

Usage Data: Information about how you interact with our platform, including pages visited, searches performed, and features used.

2. How We Collect Information

Direct Collection: Information you provide during registration, profile creation, RFQ submissions, and communications with other users.

Automatic Collection: When you use our platform, we automatically collect device information, IP address, browser type, and usage patterns through cookies and similar technologies.

Third-Party Sources: We may receive information from our payment processor (our integrated payment system), logistics partners (AGL, CEVA, DHL), and business verification services to validate supplier credentials.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide Services: Facilitate connections between West African buyers and global suppliers, process RFQs, and enable secure transactions
• Process Payments: Handle secure transaction payments, milestone releases, and currency conversions through our integrated payment system
• Coordinate Logistics: Track shipments and coordinate customs clearance in Abidjan
• Communicate: Send transaction updates, RFQ notifications, and platform announcements
• Improve Platform: Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience and develop new features
• Ensure Security: Detect and prevent fraud, verify user identities, and protect against unauthorized access
• Legal Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements for B2B transactions and international trade

4. Information Sharing

Between Users: When you engage in a transaction, relevant business information is shared with the other party. Buyer requirements are shared with suppliers responding to RFQs, and supplier details are shared with buyers evaluating quotes.

suppliers: We share information with trusted partners who help operate our platform:

• our integrated payment system for payment processing and secure payment services
• AGL, CEVA, and DHL for logistics and shipment tracking
• Cloud hosting providers for platform infrastructure
• Translation services for EN↔FR communication

Legal Requirements: We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or government regulation, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Afconnex, our users, or others.

Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.

5. Data Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: All data transmissions are encrypted using SSL/TLS protocols
• Secure Payments: Financial transactions are processed through PCI-DSS compliant payment infrastructure
• Access Controls: Strict access controls limit employee access to personal data
• Regular Audits: Security practices are regularly reviewed and updated

While we take extensive precautions, no internet transmission is completely secure. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

6. Your Privacy Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information in your profile
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data, subject to legal retention requirements
• Portability: Request your data in a structured, commonly used format
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time

To exercise these rights, contact us through the platform or email our privacy team.

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Essential Cookies: Enable core platform functionality and secure authentication
• Analytics Cookies: Understand how users interact with our platform to improve services
• Preference Cookies: Remember your language preferences and settings

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling essential cookies may affect platform functionality.

8. International Data Transfers

Afconnex operates across multiple jurisdictions, connecting buyers in West Africa with suppliers in Europe and Asia. Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your country of residence, including France (Afconnex France SAS headquarters) and Côte d'Ivoire (regional operations).

We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers in compliance with applicable data protection laws.

9. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. Transaction records are retained for seven years to comply with financial and tax regulations. You may request deletion of your account, but certain data may be retained for legal compliance.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes via email or platform notification. Continued use of Afconnex after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your privacy rights, contact us through the Afconnex platform support channels or reach out to our privacy team. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 30 days.

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