Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

Welcome to Afconnex, a B2B industrial sourcing platform connecting industrial buyers in Africa with verified suppliers. The platform is published by Afconnex SAS, a French simplified joint-stock company (société par actions simplifiée) registered with the Paris Trade and Companies Register under number 935 382 853, and operated locally by Afconnex Côte d'Ivoire. By accessing or using our platform, 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 (industrial companies) and Suppliers (manufacturers, distributors, and traders, regardless of their origin).

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 place orders with Suppliers. You agree to:

• Submit accurate specifications, quantities, and requirements in your RFQs
• Communicate professionally with suppliers and with the Afconnex team
• Pay Suppliers according to the payment schedule and bank details stated on the proforma invoice
• Provide proof of payment and confirm receipt and conformity of goods within the agreed timeframes
• Promptly report any issue with an order through the channels provided by the platform

Prices are not displayed on the platform: they are provided on quotation by Suppliers. Use of the platform is free of charge for Buyers, unless otherwise notified to them before any order.

4. Supplier Terms

As a Supplier on Afconnex, you may create product listings, respond to RFQs, and fulfill orders for 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
• Provide transaction documents (proforma invoice, shipping documents, invoices) and report any delay

Suppliers are paid directly by Buyers, according to the payment schedule stated on the proforma invoice. The commercial terms applicable to Suppliers (subscription, commission) are set out in a separate agreement with Afconnex.

5. Payment Terms

At this stage, Afconnex does not offer any online payment service. Key payment terms include:

• Direct payment: The Buyer pays the Supplier directly, by bank transfer to the account stated on the proforma invoice. Afconnex does not collect, hold, or transfer any funds. Before any transfer, verify the bank details with the Supplier through an independent channel.
• Standard payment schedule: A 30% deposit to confirm the order, then the 70% balance upon presentation of a copy of the bill of lading, unless a different schedule is stated on the proforma invoice.
• Document verification: Afconnex may verify transaction documents (proforma invoice, proof of payment, shipping documents) before each step; such verification does not constitute a guarantee of payment or delivery.
• Currency: Amounts are expressed in the currency stated on the quotation and the proforma invoice.

Payment services may be offered at a later stage through a duly licensed payment service provider. They will then be subject to specific terms, communicated to users before they are introduced.

6. Logistics and Delivery

Unless otherwise stated on the quotation, offers are made on a CFR Port of Abidjan basis (Incoterms® 2020). Key rules include:

• CFR (Cost and Freight): The Supplier arranges and pays for sea freight to the Port of Abidjan; risk passes to the Buyer once the goods are loaded on board the vessel at the port of shipment.
• Buyer's responsibility: Cargo insurance during transport, unloading, customs clearance, and onward transport to the Buyer's site, unless otherwise stated on the quotation.
• Other Incoterms: Other delivery terms may be agreed on a case-by-case basis; they are then stated on the quotation and the proforma invoice.

Afconnex provides document-based shipment tracking but is not a carrier. Afconnex is not liable for delays, damages, or losses caused by carriers, port authorities, or customs authorities.

7. User Conduct

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

• Providing false, falsified, or misleading information or documents
• Circumventing the platform to avoid fees or verifications
• Harassing, threatening, or discriminating against other users
• Attempting to fraudulently alter the bank details shown on transaction documents
• 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 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: the sales contract is concluded between the Buyer and the Supplier. Accordingly:

• We do not guarantee the quality, safety, or legality of listed products
• We are not a party to sales contracts and are not liable for their performance
• Our liability is limited to the amounts actually paid to Afconnex for the relevant transaction
• We provide the platform "as is" without warranties of any kind

The verifications carried out by Afconnex (suppliers, documents) aim to strengthen trust between the parties but do not constitute a guarantee. Users remain responsible for conducting their own due diligence.

10. Dispute Resolution

In case of disputes between buyers and suppliers, we encourage direct amicable resolution. If resolution cannot be reached:

• Contact Afconnex to formally report the dispute
• Provide documentation supporting your position
• Afconnex may offer mediation based on the transaction documents, without any decision-making power over payments, which are made directly between the parties

These terms are governed by the laws of France. Any dispute relating to their interpretation or performance shall be brought before the competent courts of Paris, France, unless otherwise required by mandatory provisions.

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 at [email protected] or through our platform support channels.