Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account, accessing the Platform, or using any service, you confirm that you have read and understood these Terms of Service, agree to comply with them, and are legally authorized to act on behalf of your company (if applicable).

2. Eligibility

• Be at least 18 years old
• Provide accurate and complete personal and company information
• Not be prohibited from engaging in logistics, trade, or digital platform use under applicable laws

3. User Accounts

• Maintain the confidentiality of login credentials
• Remain responsible for actions taken by users under your account
• Ensure shipment, cargo, and company information is accurate

We may suspend or terminate accounts for fraud, misuse, or non-compliance.

4. Platform Services & Scope

• Freight booking and shipment coordination
• Digital marketplace connecting shippers, vendors, carriers, and logistics service providers (LSPs)
• Shipment workflow management and visibility tools
• Secure communication between stakeholders
• Generation of logistics and commercial documents, including House Bills of Lading (HBL) where applicable

The Platform does not guarantee availability, pricing, transit times, or delivery outcomes unless expressly agreed in writing.

5. Platform Role & Marketplace Disclaimer

The Platform operates as a multi-sided digital marketplace and logistics coordination platform. Unless explicitly agreed in writing, Ubuntu Africa is not a common carrier, ship owner, airline, trucking company, port operator, warehouse operator, or customs broker; it does not own or operate vessels, aircraft, trucks, or cargo-handling assets. Physical carriage and handling of cargo are performed by independent third-party carriers and service providers. Ubuntu Africa may introduce, match, or facilitate transactions between users and third parties but does not guarantee the performance, solvency, or compliance of any vendor or carrier.

6. Freight Forwarder & HBL Liability

Where Ubuntu Africa issues an HBL, Ubuntu Africa acts as a freight forwarder only. Liability is strictly limited in accordance with the liability limits stated on the HBL and applicable international conventions (including Hague–Visby Rules, where applicable).

• Not liable for acts or omissions of carriers, terminals, ports, agents, or subcontractors
• Not liable for delay, deviation, or non-performance beyond its reasonable control
• Not liable for losses caused by force majeure, congestion, weather, strikes, war, or government actions
• Not liable for indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages, including loss of profit or business

7. Payments, Escrow & Financial Disclaimer

Some services may require payment, including platform fees, commissions, or shipment-related charges.

• Ubuntu Africa is not a bank, payment institution, or money services business
• Client funds, where applicable, are held by licensed banks or regulated payment service providers under escrow or safeguarded arrangements
• Ubuntu Africa does not hold customer funds in its own accounts

Release of funds may be subject to fulfillment milestones, documentation, or confirmation of services rendered. Ubuntu Africa is not liable for bank or PSP processing delays, chargebacks or payment reversals, currency fluctuations, or financial institution errors.

8. Third-Party Services

The Platform may integrate or rely on third-party services, including shipping lines and carriers, logistics and customs service providers, and payment gateways and banks. Ubuntu Africa is not responsible for delays, failures, or losses caused by third-party systems or services, except where expressly assumed under an issued HBL.

9. User Conduct

• Do not misuse or interfere with Platform systems
• Do not upload fraudulent or misleading documents
• Provide accurate shipment and company information
• Do not violate trade, customs, sanctions, or logistics regulations
• Do not harass or abuse other Platform users

10. Intellectual Property

All software, content, branding, documentation, and tools on the Platform are the exclusive property of Ubuntu Africa. You may not copy, reproduce, modify, distribute, reverse-engineer, or sublicense any part of the Platform without prior written consent.

11. Data Protection & Privacy

Use of the Platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy. By using the Platform, you consent to the processing of data for operational, contractual, and legal purposes.

12. Limitation of Liability

Services are provided on an "as-is" and "as-available" basis. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Ubuntu Africa shall not be liable for platform downtime or technical interruptions, errors resulting from user-provided information, or indirect or consequential losses.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Ubuntu Africa, its directors, officers, employees, and partners from any claims, losses, damages, or liabilities arising from breach of these Terms, regulatory or legal non-compliance, or disputes between users, vendors, or carriers.

14. Suspension & Termination

We may suspend or terminate access to the Platform if you breach these Terms, engage in fraud or misuse, or violate applicable laws or regulations. You may request account termination by contacting support.

15. Modifications to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the Platform after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

16. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Rwanda, unless otherwise required by mandatory local regulations.

17. Contact Information

For questions or support, contact support@ubuntuafrica.tech or visit www.ubuntuafrica.tech.

By using Ubuntu Africa, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Service.