Introduction

Welcome to TEFCONNECT, a platform designed to empower African entrepreneurs by connecting them with mentors, investors, and partners. This Data Collection and Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share your personal information when you use our services. By using TEFCONNECT, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

Information We Collect

To provide you with the best experience on TEFCONNECT, we collect the following types of information:

• Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number, date of birth, gender, nationality, address, identification documents (ID card, passport photo), and other personal details you provide during registration and profile completion.

• Business Information: Business name, industry, business stage, business description, financial information, business documents, and other details related to your entrepreneurial activities.

• Programme and Application Information: Information you provide when applying to entrepreneurship programmes, including application responses, test results, business acumen assessments, and programme participation data.

• Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device information, usage patterns, cookies, and other technical data collected automatically when you interact with our platform.

How We Use Your Information

• To process and manage your account registration and profile information

• To evaluate and process your applications for entrepreneurship programmes

• To connect you with mentors, investors, and partners based on your profile and needs

• To provide personalised programme recommendations and opportunities

• To communicate with you about programmes, events, updates, and important announcements

• To improve our services, analyse usage patterns, and conduct research to better serve the entrepreneurial community

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With programme partners, mentors, and investors who are part of the TEFCONNECT ecosystem, to facilitate connections and programme participation

• With service providers and third-party vendors who assist us in operating the platform, subject to strict confidentiality agreements

• When required by law, legal process, or government requests

• To protect the rights, property, or safety of TEFCONNECT, our users, or others, including fraud prevention and security measures

Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. This includes encryption, secure servers, access controls, and regular security assessments. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Rights and Choices

• Access: You have the right to access and review your personal information stored in our system

• Correction: You can update or correct your personal information at any time through your profile settings

• Deletion: You may request deletion of your account and personal information, subject to legal and programme requirements

• Opt-out: You can opt-out of certain communications and data processing activities, while understanding this may affect your ability to use certain features

• Data Portability: You can request a copy of your data in a structured, machine-readable format

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

TEFCONNECT uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience, analyse platform usage, and provide personalised content. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings, though disabling cookies may limit some platform functionality.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us at privacy@tefconnect.com or through our support channels. We are committed to addressing your privacy concerns promptly and transparently.