Effective Date: June 2025
Last Updated: June 2025

1. Introduction

Afri Global Commodities Trade (AfGCT) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal and organizational data. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, share, and protect your data in compliance with applicable data protection laws, including the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and other regional and international frameworks.

2. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all users of the AfGCT platform including visitors, buyers, sellers, logistics providers, QA/QC & ESG certification providers, startups, investors, institutions, and government entities.

3. Data Collection

We collect the following categories of data:

  • Identity Data: Names, company details, email addresses, phone numbers, official ID, and LinkedIn profiles.
  • Business Data: Company profile, trade license, certificates, services provided, product categories.
  • Transaction Data: Order history, trade values, delivery records, and payment details.
  • Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers.
  • Communication Data: Platform messages, emails, chat records, customer support communications.
  • Verification Data: Documents and information for KYC/AML due diligence (e.g., MANSA database).

4. Purpose of Data Usage

AfGCT processes your data for the following purposes:

  • To enable registration, authentication, and role-based access.
  • To verify user identity and eligibility for platform participation.
  • To execute and record transactions including escrow services.
  • To communicate with users, including updates, alerts, and support.
  • To comply with legal, regulatory, and trade compliance requirements.
  • To analyze trends, usage, and improve services using AI and analytics.
  • To enable integration with third-party services (e.g., logistics APIs, payment gateways).

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

AfGCT may share your data only with:

  • Platform service providers (logistics, certification, escrow, etc.).
  • Regulatory or financial authorities for compliance verification.
  • AfGCT’s affiliated companies or strategic partners under confidentiality obligations.
  • Technology and integration partners strictly for service delivery purposes.

We do not sell or rent user data.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Maintain platform sessions and user preferences.
  • Analyze traffic and improve user experience.
  • Detect fraud or unusual behavior patterns.

Users may manage their cookie preferences through browser settings.

7. Data Retention

AfGCT retains data:

  • For as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined.
  • In accordance with trade, tax, and regulatory obligations.
  • Archived data may be stored for legal or statistical purposes.

8. Data Security

We implement industry-standard safeguards including:

  • Encrypted storage and transmission (SSL/TLS).
  • Access controls and audit logs.
  • Secure authentication and role-based access.
  • Regular penetration testing and infrastructure monitoring.

9. User Rights

Users may:

  • Request access to their personal data.
  • Request correction or deletion of inaccurate data.
  • Withdraw consent (where processing is based on consent).
  • Object to specific types of processing.
  • Lodge a complaint with a competent data authority.

To exercise any of these rights, contact: [Insert Privacy Contact Email]

10. Cross-Border Data Transfers

Where necessary, data may be transferred across borders in line with:

  • GDPR adequacy standards.
  • AU digital trade protocols.
  • Safeguards and contractual agreements with service providers.

11. Changes to This Policy

AfGCT reserves the right to amend this Privacy Policy at any time. Users will be notified of significant changes via email or platform notification.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact:

Data Protection Officer (DPO)

Thank you for trusting AfGCT as your gateway to fair, verified, and transparent trade.