Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

Welcome to Afconnex, a Pan-African B2B e-procurement platform connecting West African industrial buyers with verified global suppliers. By accessing or using our marketplace, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our platform.

These terms apply to all users of the platform, including Buyers (West African industrial companies) and Suppliers (verified manufacturers from Europe and Asia).

2. Account Terms

To use our services, you must create an account and provide accurate, complete information about yourself or your business. You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
• All activities that occur under your account
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized access
• Ensuring your account information remains current and accurate

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms, provide false information, or engage in fraudulent activity.

3. Buyer Terms

As a Buyer on Afconnex, you may submit Requests for Quotation (RFQs), compare supplier offers, and transact with verified manufacturers. You agree to:

• Submit accurate specifications, quantities, and requirements in your RFQs
• Communicate professionally with suppliers through our platform
• Complete payments through our secure secure transaction system via our integrated payment system
• Confirm receipt and satisfaction of goods to release milestone payments
• Provide honest feedback and reviews based on actual transaction experience

Transactions for equipment, machinery, and materials typically range from $5,000 to $500,000. All payment amounts are subject to applicable fees as disclosed at checkout.

4. Supplier Terms

As a Supplier on Afconnex, you may create product listings, respond to RFQs, and fulfill orders for West African buyers. You agree to:

• Complete our verification process and maintain accurate business credentials
• Provide truthful information about your products, capabilities, and certifications
• Respond to RFQs with accurate pricing, lead times, and delivery terms
• Fulfill orders according to agreed specifications and timelines
• Communicate transparently using our EN↔FR translation features

Supplier payments are released through our milestone-based secure transaction system (30%/60%/10%) upon buyer confirmation of delivery milestones.

5. Payment and secure transaction Terms

All transactions on Afconnex are processed through our secure payment infrastructure powered by our integrated payment system. Key payment terms include:

• Currency: Buyers pay in XOF (CFA Francs), Mobile Money, or bank transfer
• secure transaction support: Funds are held securely until delivery milestones are confirmed
• Milestone Releases: Standard release schedule is 30% on order confirmation, 60% on shipment, 10% on final delivery
• Platform Fees: Transaction fees are disclosed at checkout and deducted from payments

Refunds and disputes are handled according to our dispute resolution process outlined below.

6. Logistics and Delivery

Afconnex offers integrated logistics through partnerships with AGL, CEVA, and DHL. Delivery options include:

• Buyer Pickup (EXW/FCA): Buyer arranges collection from supplier
• Supplier Delivery (CPT/CIP): Supplier arranges delivery to specified point
• Afconnex Full Service (DAP/DDP): Complete door-to-factory delivery with customs clearance in Abidjan

Afconnex facilitates logistics coordination but is not liable for delays, damages, or losses caused by third-party carriers or customs authorities.

7. User Conduct

All users must conduct themselves professionally and lawfully. Prohibited activities include:

• Providing false or misleading information
• Circumventing the platform to avoid fees or protections
• Harassing, threatening, or discriminating against other users
• Attempting to manipulate reviews or ratings
• Violating export controls, sanctions, or applicable trade laws
• Infringing intellectual property rights

Violations may result in account suspension, transaction cancellation, and legal action where appropriate.

8. Intellectual Property

The Afconnex platform, including its design, features, and content, is owned by Afconnex France SAS and protected by intellectual property laws. Users retain ownership of their own content but grant Afconnex a license to display and use such content for platform operations.

You may not copy, modify, or distribute any part of the platform without prior written consent.

9. Liability and Disclaimers

Afconnex provides a platform connecting buyers and suppliers. We do not manufacture, sell, or deliver products directly. Accordingly:

• We do not guarantee the quality, safety, or legality of listed products
• We are not liable for disputes between buyers and suppliers
• Our liability is limited to the fees paid to Afconnex for the relevant transaction
• We provide the platform "as is" without warranties of any kind

Users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence on transaction partners.

10. Dispute Resolution

In case of disputes between buyers and suppliers, we encourage direct resolution through our messaging system. If resolution cannot be reached:

• Contact Afconnex support to initiate a formal dispute
• Provide documentation supporting your position
• Afconnex may mediate and make binding decisions regarding secure transaction fund release

These terms are governed by the laws of France. Any legal disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Paris, France, unless otherwise required by applicable consumer protection laws.

11. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.

For questions about these terms, contact us through our platform support channels.

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