Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using AfriBiz Africa ("the Platform," "we," "our," or "us") at afribiz.africa, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use our services.

These Terms apply to all visitors, users, business owners, and others who access or use the Platform.

2. Description of Service

AfriBiz Africa is a pan-African business directory that:

• Allows businesses to create and manage free listings
• Enables customers to discover and contact businesses via WhatsApp and other channels
• Provides search and browsing functionality across African countries and categories
• Offers optional premium features and verification services

We act solely as a directory and intermediary. We do not participate in transactions between businesses and customers, nor do we guarantee the quality of any business listed.

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Creation

To create a business listing, you must register an account. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain the security of your password and account
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access

3.2 Account Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into binding contracts to use our services. Business accounts must be created by authorized representatives of the business.

3.3 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, at our sole discretion and without prior notice. You may delete your account at any time through your account settings or by contacting us.

4. Business Listings

4.1 Listing Requirements

By creating a business listing, you represent and warrant that:

• You are the owner or authorized representative of the business
• All information provided is accurate, complete, and up-to-date
• The business operates legally in its jurisdiction
• You have the right to use any images, logos, or content uploaded
• The contact information provided is valid and actively monitored

4.2 Prohibited Listings

The following types of businesses and content are prohibited:

• Illegal goods or services
• Fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading businesses
• Adult content or services
• Weapons, drugs, or controlled substances
• Hate speech, discrimination, or violence
• Pyramid schemes or get-rich-quick schemes
• Counterfeit or stolen goods
• Any business that violates applicable laws

4.3 Listing Accuracy

You are responsible for keeping your listing information current. Outdated or inaccurate listings may be flagged, demoted in search results, or removed.

4.4 Content Ownership

You retain ownership of content you submit. By posting content, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, reproduce, and distribute your content for the purpose of operating and promoting the Platform.

5. Verification Services

We offer multi-level verification to help build trust:

• Phone Verified: Business phone number has been confirmed
• WhatsApp Verified: WhatsApp number is active and responsive
• Fully Verified: Business identity and documentation verified

Verification badges indicate that we have performed certain checks, but do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of the business's quality, reliability, or legal compliance.

6. User Conduct

Users of the Platform agree not to:

• Submit false, misleading, or fraudulent information
• Impersonate any person or business
• Harvest, scrape, or collect data without permission
• Interfere with or disrupt the Platform's operation
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to systems or accounts
• Use the Platform for spam, phishing, or malicious purposes
• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Circumvent any security or access controls

7. WhatsApp Integration

Our Platform enables customers to contact businesses via WhatsApp. By listing a WhatsApp number:

• You consent to receiving messages from customers who find you on our Platform
• You acknowledge that WhatsApp is a third-party service with its own terms
• We are not responsible for communications that occur on WhatsApp
• You agree to respond professionally to customer inquiries

8. Fees and Payment

8.1 Free Services

Basic business listings are free. Free listings include standard visibility in search results and directory categories.

8.2 Premium Services

We may offer premium features such as featured placements, enhanced analytics, or priority support. Fees for premium services will be clearly displayed before purchase.

8.3 Refund Policy

Premium service fees are generally non-refundable. Exceptions may be made at our discretion for technical issues or service failures on our part.

9. Intellectual Property

9.1 Our Property

The Platform, including its design, features, content, and trademarks (including "AfriBiz Africa"), is owned by us and protected by intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, or create derivative works without our written permission.

9.2 User Content

You retain rights to content you submit but grant us the license described in Section 4.4. You are responsible for ensuring you have rights to any content you post.

10. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT:

• The Platform will be uninterrupted or error-free
• Business listings are accurate, complete, or reliable
• Any business listed meets any particular standards
• Transactions with listed businesses will be satisfactory

We are a directory service only. We do not verify the quality of goods or services offered by listed businesses, nor do we participate in or guarantee any transactions.

11. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, AFRIBIZ AFRICA SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

• Any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
• Loss of profits, revenue, data, or business opportunities
• Damages arising from your use of or inability to use the Platform
• Actions or omissions of any business listed on the Platform
• Any transactions between you and businesses found through our Platform

Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount you paid us (if any) in the 12 months preceding the claim.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless AfriBiz Africa, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your business listing or content
• Your violation of any third-party rights

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Between Users and Businesses

Disputes between customers and businesses listed on our Platform are between those parties only. We are not a party to such disputes and have no obligation to mediate or resolve them.

13.2 With AfriBiz Africa

If you have a dispute with us, we encourage you to contact us first to seek a resolution. If we cannot resolve the dispute informally, either party may pursue legal remedies.

14. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of significant changes by posting a notice on the Platform or sending an email. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

15. General Provisions

• Severability: If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect.
• Waiver: Our failure to enforce any right does not constitute a waiver of that right.
• Assignment: You may not assign your rights under these Terms without our consent.
• Entire Agreement: These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and AfriBiz Africa regarding the Platform.

16. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, contact us: