Effective Date: August 1, 2025

Hire Africa (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal information when you use our website, mobile applications, and services (collectively, the “Platform”).

By accessing or using Hire Africa, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of information:

a. Information You Provide

• Full name, email address, phone number, date of birth
• Profile details (skills, qualifications, work history)
• Payment and billing information
• Content such as messages, proposals, reviews, and uploaded files

b. Automatically Collected Information

• IP address and geolocation
• Browser type, device information, and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on the platform
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

c. Information from Third Parties

• Identity verification partners
• Payment processors
• Social login platforms (Google, Facebook, LinkedIn)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our platform
• Match freelancers with clients
• Facilitate payments and invoices
• Send notifications, updates, and promotional content
• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, or other violations
• Comply with legal obligations

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data based on:

• Consent – You have given permission (e.g., for marketing).
• Contractual necessity – Processing is required to provide the services.
• Legal obligation – Compliance with applicable laws.
• Legitimate interest – To improve user experience and prevent fraud.

4. Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal data. However, we may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Hosting, payment processing, analytics, and customer support providers.
• Clients or Freelancers: For the purpose of fulfilling contracts and job engagement.
• Law Enforcement or Regulators: If required by law or for legal proceedings.
• Corporate Transactions: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies to:

• Remember your preferences
• Analyze traffic and user behavior
• Personalize content

You can control or disable cookies via your browser settings. However, some features may not function properly without them.

6. Data Retention

We retain your data for as long as:

• Your account is active
• Required for legal, regulatory, or accounting purposes
• Necessary to resolve disputes or enforce agreements

After the retention period, your data will be securely deleted or anonymized.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Erasure: Request deletion of your data under certain conditions.
• Restriction: Limit how your data is processed.
• Objection: Object to specific data processing practices.
• Portability: Request to transfer your data to another provider.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@hireafrica.net.

8. Security of Your Information

We use appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your data against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. These measures include:

• SSL encryption
• Secure server infrastructure
• Regular data audits and backups
• Limited access to personal data by authorized staff only

9. International Transfers

Hire Africa is based in Malawi but may process and store data in other countries. If we transfer your data outside of your jurisdiction, we ensure appropriate safeguards such as data protection agreements or standard contractual clauses.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our platform is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware of such data being collected, we will take steps to delete it immediately.

11. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these third parties. Please review their privacy policies separately.

12. Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Where appropriate, users will be notified via email or platform notification.

13. Contact Us

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

Hire Africa Data Protection Officer
📧 Email: privacy@hireafrica.net
📍 Sparrows Street, Area 49, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
📞 +265 998 014 884

By using Hire Africa, you consent to the collection and use of your personal data as described in this Privacy Policy.