Privacy Policy

Effective Date: October 2024

Last Updated: November 2025

Welcome to AfrikaTrends (“we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Platform”).

AfrikaTrends is an independent, volunteer-driven, and non-profit analytical platform dedicated to producing research-based insights and informed perspectives on African and global affairs.

Your privacy matters to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you visit https://en.afrikatrends.com (the “Website”), communicate with us, or contribute content.

By using this Website, you agree to the practices described in this Policy.

1. Scope

This Privacy Policy applies to all visitors, contributors, and subscribers of AfrikaTrends.
It does not apply to external websites linked from our content or to third-party services beyond our operational control.

AfrikaTrends’ English version was officially launched in October 2024 as an extension of the Arabic platform established in February 2020.

2. Information We Collect

We collect only the data necessary to operate our Website, maintain communication, and improve user experience.

a. Information You Provide Voluntarily

Contact details: such as your name, email address, and organization when you subscribe to newsletters, submit inquiries, or contact us directly at info@afrikatrends.com or afrikatrend@gmail.com.
Contributor data: such as your name, title, professional affiliation, and short biography when you submit articles or research contributions.
Feedback or correspondence: when you communicate with us regarding publications, collaboration, or technical issues.

b. Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our Website, our systems and third-party analytics tools automatically collect:

Usage data: IP address, browser type, device identifiers, operating system, and referring URLs.
Analytics data: through trusted partners such as Google Analytics, used solely to understand aggregate traffic and user engagement.
Cookies and session data: used to enhance performance, store preferences (e.g., language), and ensure security.

All such data is collected anonymously and aggregated where possible.

3. How We Use Your Information

AfrikaTrends uses collected data strictly for legitimate and limited purposes, including:

To operate and maintain the Website and its related features.
To respond to inquiries, manage subscriptions, and facilitate contributor communication.
To analyze traffic trends and improve website performance and content relevance.
To ensure compliance with applicable laws, website security, and anti-spam protocols.

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to any third party.

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

AfrikaTrends may share limited data under the following controlled circumstances:

Service Providers: We work with trusted partners who provide hosting, analytics, and communication services. These may include:
- Hosting Provider: Our website is hosted by trusted third-party service providers that comply with international data-protection and security standards. These providers may also use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to enhance website speed, reliability, and protection against unauthorized access. All infrastructure partners process data on our behalf in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
- Analytics and Email Services: Google Analytics, Mailchimp, or equivalent providers used solely for performance monitoring and newsletter management.
  These providers adhere to international data-protection standards and maintain their own privacy frameworks (GDPR/CCPA compliant).
Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required to comply with applicable law, legal process, or governmental request.
With Consent: When you authorize us to publish or share your personal details, such as author information on published articles.

All service providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and are prohibited from using your information for any other purpose.

5. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes stated in this Policy or as required by law.

When data is no longer needed, it will be securely deleted or anonymized.

You may request the deletion or correction of your personal data by contacting us at info@afrikatrends.com.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

AfrikaTrends uses cookies and related technologies to improve user experience. Cookies may:

Store language preferences (Arabic/English).
Maintain contributor login sessions.
Help us analyse aggregate visitor behavior.

You can disable cookies through your browser settings. However, some website functions may not operate correctly without them.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

Our hosting and infrastructure partners employ advanced security measures, including SSL encryption, firewall protection, and intrusion detection systems, to safeguard data and ensure secure global access.

While we strive for the highest level of protection, no online platform can guarantee absolute security. You use the Website at your own discretion.

8. International Data Transfers

AfrikaTrends operates as a digital platform accessible globally.

Your data may be stored and processed on servers located in different jurisdictions, including the European Union and the United States, depending on our hosting and CDN services.

Our hosting and infrastructure providers adhere to recognized international data-transfer mechanisms, such as the EU–US Data Privacy Framework and Standard Contractual Clauses, to ensure that all personal data remains protected and securely processed, regardless of where it is stored or accessed.

By using this Website, you consent to these international data transfers in compliance with applicable laws.

9. Content and Audience Policy

AfrikaTrends publishes analytical, journalistic, and research-oriented material intended for mature and professional audiences.

The Website does not produce or target content for children or individuals under 18 years of age.

If you are under 18, please do not submit any personal information or use interactive features of the Website.

10. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights under data-protection laws:

Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
Deletion: Request the erasure of your data (“right to be forgotten”).
Restriction: Request limitation of data processing in specific contexts.
Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for optional data processing (e.g., newsletters).

To exercise these rights, contact us at info@afrikatrends.com. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe, consistent with applicable regulations.

11. Links to External Websites

AfrikaTrends may include links to external websites for reference or citation purposes.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or data-handling policies of these external sites and encourage you to review their individual privacy statements.

12. Contributor Information

If you publish content through AfrikaTrends:

Your name, professional title, and biography may appear publicly alongside your work.
You retain full ownership of your intellectual property but grant AfrikaTrends a non-exclusive license to publish, promote, and archive it.
AfrikaTrends reserves the right to edit submissions for clarity, factual accuracy, and editorial consistency.

13. Policy Updates

AfrikaTrends may revise this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect legal or operational changes.
The updated Policy will be published on this page with a new “Last Updated” date.
Your continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

14. Contact Us

For any inquiries, data-access requests, or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

📧 info@afrikatrends.com

📧 afrikatrend@gmail.com

We aim to respond to all verified requests within 30 days.

AfrikaTrends

Policy, Finance & Resilience for a Sustainable Global Future