BRIDGING AFRICA – TERMS & CONDITIONS HUB

This Terms & Conditions Hub sets out the full suite of rules governing the use of the Bridging Africa digital platform. These Terms apply to all users, including Customers, Service Providers, and any third-party interacting with the platform. By accessing or using Bridging Africa, you agree to be bound by the Terms outlined in this Hub.

These Terms are governed by the laws of Zimbabwe and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Zimbabwean courts.

1. General Platform Terms

1.     Bridging Africa operates as an online directory and marketplace connecting Customers with registered Service Providers.

2.     Bridging Africa is not a contractor, employer, agent, or representative of any Service Provider.

3.     Users must provide accurate and truthful information when registering or using the platform.

4.     Bridging Africa may update or amend these Terms at any time, with notice provided through the platform.

2. Definitions

5.     “Platform” refers to the Bridging Africa website, digital tools, and associated services.

6.     “Customer” refers to any person or organisation seeking service providers.

7.     “Service Provider” refers to verified tradespeople or companies listed on the platform.

8.     “Profile” refers to a Service Provider’s listing page, ratings, reviews, and verification badges.

9.     “Zimbabwean Law” refers to all applicable laws including the Consumer Protection Act, Data Protection Act, and Electronic Transactions Act.

3. Registration and User Accounts

10.  Users must be 18 years or older to register.

11.  Accounts must be created using accurate personal or business information.

12.  Users must not impersonate others or create accounts for unlawful purposes.

13.  Bridging Africa reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts violating these Terms.

4. Service Provider Membership Terms

14.  Service Providers must undergo verification, including identity, qualifications, or trade certifications where applicable.

15.  Service Providers must comply with Zimbabwean trade, safety, and consumer-protection laws.

16.  Service Providers must maintain updated contact details and business information on their profiles.

17.  Misrepresentation of skills, qualifications, or work completed is strictly prohibited.

18.  Service Providers agree that all reviews, ratings, and customer feedback will be publicly visible.

5. Customer Terms

19.  Customers are responsible for verifying the suitability of a Service Provider before hiring.

20.  Bridging Africa does not guarantee the performance, cost, or reliability of any Service Provider.

21.  Customers must provide truthful and non-abusive reviews of completed work.

22.  Customers must not use the platform for fraudulent or harmful activities.

6. Payment Terms

23.  Bridging Africa may charge subscription or listing fees for Service Providers.

24.  Payment obligations must be settled in accordance with Zimbabwe's financial regulations.

25.  Bridging Africa does not process payments for work carried out between Customers and Service Providers.

26.  Any disputes over payments for services rendered are strictly between Customer and Service Provider.

7. Reviews, Ratings and Feedback

27.  All reviews must be based on genuine and completed work experiences.

28.  Bridging Africa may remove reviews that are abusive, discriminatory, false, or legally inappropriate.

29.  Service Providers may respond publicly to reviews.

30.  Attempts to manipulate reviews, including fake reviews or incentives, are prohibited.

8. Intellectual Property

31.  All platform content, branding, software, and materials belong to Bridging Africa.

32.  Users may not reproduce or distribute platform content without written permission.

33.  Service Providers grant Bridging Africa a license to display uploaded logos, images, and descriptions.

9. Data Protection and Privacy

34.  Bridging Africa processes personal data in accordance with Zimbabwe’s Data Protection Act.

35.  Users consent to the collection and use of their data for verification, communication, and platform operation.

36.  Users may request correction or deletion of their data as permitted under Zimbabwean law.

10. Limitation of Liability

37.  Bridging Africa is not responsible for loss, damage, or disputes arising from interactions between Customers and Service Providers.

38.  Bridging Africa does not guarantee quality, pricing, timelines, or performance of Service Providers.

39.  The platform operates as a directory and facilitator only.

11. Suspension and Termination

40.  Bridging Africa may suspend accounts that violate these Terms or engage in unlawful behaviour.

41.  Repeated or severe violations may result in permanent removal from the platform.

42.  Users may voluntarily delete their accounts at any time.

12. Legal Compliance Requirements

43.  Service Providers must comply with all Zimbabwean business registration, tax, licensing, and safety laws.

44.  Customers must comply with anti-fraud, harassment, and consumer-protection laws.

45.  Users agree not to upload illegal, harmful, or defamatory content to the platform.

13. Dispute Resolution

46.  Disputes between Customers and Service Providers must be resolved directly between the parties.

47.  Bridging Africa may facilitate communication but does not arbitrate disputes.

48.  Any disputes involving Bridging Africa shall be governed by Zimbabwean law.

14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

49.  These Terms are governed exclusively by the laws of Zimbabwe.

50.  Any legal disputes shall be resolved before competent courts in Zimbabwe.

15. Amendments to the Terms

51.  Bridging Africa may update these Terms periodically.

52.  Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.