Privacy Policy

Last updated: 11/12/2025

1. Introduction

Find A Biz Africa ("we", "our", or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 and other applicable privacy laws. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, store, and safeguard your information when you use our platform.

2. Data Protection Officer

Data Controller: Find A Biz Africa
Data Protection Officer: Banke Ajayi
Contact: dpo@findabizafrica.com
Address: Nigeria

3. Information We Collect

Business Information:

  • Business name and description
  • Business location (state, area, landmark)
  • Contact details (phone number, email)
  • Business category and services offered
  • Business hours and availability
  • Social media handles (optional)
  • Business logo and images (optional)

Technical Data:

  • IP address and device information
  • Browser type and version
  • Search queries and interactions
  • Pages visited and usage patterns
  • Location data (if permitted)
  • Cookie and session data

4. How We Use Your Data

Business Directory Services (Contractual Necessity)

We use your data to:

  • Create and maintain your business profile
  • Display your business in search results
  • Enable customer inquiries and connections
  • Provide customer support
  • Send important account updates and security alerts

Verification & Fraud Prevention (Legitimate Interest)

When you register your business, we assign a Universal Business ID (UBI)— a unique reference number (e.g., AF-NG-00000818-FB). This UBI is recorded on the Solana blockchain to prevent fraud and build trust in Nigeria's business ecosystem.

Why Blockchain Verification?

Nigeria's informal economy faces a critical trust problem. Businesses sometimes change names to evade debts, hide negative history, or commit fraud—harming lenders, suppliers, and customers.

Blockchain verification creates an immutable record. If a business changes names, the UBI remains the same—creating accountability and protecting the ecosystem.

What's recorded on blockchain:

  • âś… Your Universal Business ID only (e.g., AF-NG-00000818-FB)
  • âś… Verification timestamp
  • ❌ NOT your business name, contact details, or sensitive information

Why blockchain is necessary:

  • Immutable records cannot be tampered with by anyone (including us)
  • Protects lenders, suppliers, and customers from identity fraud
  • Creates public, verifiable proof without requiring trust in a central authority
  • Similar to credit bureaus or company registries, but privacy-preserving

Your right to object: If you believe our fraud prevention interest does not override your rights, contact dpo@findabizafrica.com. We will assess your objection within 30 days and either demonstrate compelling grounds or cease processing.

Learn more about blockchain verification

Service Improvement

We analyze anonymized, aggregated data to improve Find A Biz Africa:

  • Better search results and recommendations
  • Fraud detection patterns
  • Platform optimization and new features
  • Market trend analysis
Anonymization Process:

We remove all identifiers (business names, UBIs, contact information) and aggregate data across many businesses. Individual businesses cannot be identified.

Example: "Professional services businesses in Lagos receive an average of 425 views per month" (NOT: "Omotoye Aluminium received 450 views")

This data is fully anonymized and not subject to NDPA regulations.

Marketing Communications (Consent)

We will only send you marketing emails and promotional content if you opt in through your account settings. You can unsubscribe at any time.

5. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data. We only share information:

Public Information:

  • Business profiles you've chosen to make public
  • Information you've designated as searchable

Service Providers:

  • Cloud hosting and database providers (under strict confidentiality)
  • SMS and communication services (for verification)
  • Analytics and security services

Legal Requirements:

  • When required by Nigerian law or court orders
  • To protect our rights, safety, or property
  • To investigate fraud or security issues

Anonymized Market Reports:

  • Aggregated, anonymized insights may be shared or sold
  • Statistical reports that cannot identify individuals or specific businesses

6. Data Security

We protect your data using:

  • Encryption (HTTPS/TLS for data in transit)
  • Secure database storage with access controls
  • Regular security audits and updates
  • Limited staff access on a need-to-know basis
  • Blockchain verification for immutable records
  • Data backup and recovery procedures
  • Incident response and breach notification procedures

7. Data Retention

  • Active accounts: Data retained while your account is active
  • Deleted accounts: Removed within 30 days (except legal requirements)
  • Blockchain records: UBI permanently on Solana (fraud prevention requirement)
  • Anonymized data: May be retained indefinitely for research
  • Technical logs: Retained for 12 months

Important: Your UBI on blockchain cannot be deleted due to immutability. However, the UBI alone reveals nothing about your business without access to our database.

8. Your Rights Under NDPA 2023

You have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data
  • Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Erasure: Request deletion of your account and platform data
  • Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interest
  • Data portability: Export your data in a portable format
  • Withdraw consent: Stop marketing communications anytime
  • Lodge complaint: File complaint with NDPC via NITDA

Exercising Your Rights: Contact dpo@findabizafrica.com. We will respond within 30 days as required by NDPA 2023.

9. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. See our Cookie Policy for details.

10. International Data Transfers

Your data is primarily stored in Nigeria. If transferred internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with NDPA requirements.

11. Children's Privacy

Find A Biz Africa is for businesses only. We do not knowingly collect information from individuals under 18. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete it promptly.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Material changes will be communicated via:

  • Email notification to registered users
  • Prominent notice on our website
  • Updated "Last updated" date on this page

Continued use of the service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Complaints and Contact

Contact Us:

  • Data Protection Officer: Banke Ajayi
  • Email: dpo@findabizafrica.com
  • General inquiries: support@findabizafrica.com
  • Response time: Within 5 business days

File a Complaint:

If you're unsatisfied with our response, you can file a complaint with:

  • Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC)
  • Via: National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
  • Email: info@nitda.gov.ng
  • Website: www.nitda.gov.ng