Last updated: June 22, 2026

Privacy policy

This policy explains how AfricaCars processes personal data through its vehicle-classifieds service. It is provisional during the launch phase and will be completed with the final operator identity, APDP formalities and service providers before the commercial launch.

Data controller

Current operator: AfricaCars, a provisional trading name. The operating company, RCCM, IFU, registered office and physical address will be added once registration is complete.

Personal-data contact: contact@mail.africacars.bj.

1. Data we collect

  • Account data: name, username, email, telephone number and encrypted password.
  • Seller data: profile, business details, location, displayed contact details and WhatsApp number when provided.
  • Listing data: vehicle details, price, mileage, description, equipment, photos and status.
  • Browsing data: IP address, logs, device, viewed pages, language and preferences.
  • Security data: login attempts, anti-fraud logs and reports.
  • QR-code data: code identifier, associated listing or profile and redirects.
  • Future payment data: only if subscriptions or paid options are launched, according to the selected payment provider and published sale terms.

2. Why we use data

  • Create and secure user accounts.
  • Publish, display, search, moderate and archive listings.
  • Connect buyers and sellers.
  • Generate, associate and redirect QR codes linked to listings or profiles.
  • Prevent fraud, abuse, illegal content and infringements of rights.
  • Respond to support requests, complaints and reports.
  • Measure audiences, improve the service and correct errors.
  • Send service information and, only when authorized, commercial messages or newsletters.

3. Publicly visible data

A listing or seller profile may display the chosen name, city or area, vehicle information, photos, price, equipment, listing status and contact methods that the seller chooses to publish. Do not publish an identity document, full registration document, personal supporting document, identifiable face, unblurred number plate or sensitive information in listing photos or text.

4. Cookies and similar technologies

AfricaCars may use cookies or similar technologies to maintain sessions, protect the service, remember the chosen language, measure audiences and improve the experience.

Cookies strictly necessary for operation or security may be used without prior consent. Non-essential analytics, marketing or advertising cookies will require consent when those features are activated. A way to manage or withdraw consent must be provided before such technologies are enabled.

5. Recipients and service providers

Data may be processed by the AfricaCars team and strictly necessary technical providers for hosting, email, mapping, authentication, audience measurement, security, support and, later, payments. The final providers will be documented before the commercial launch.

6. Transfers outside Benin

Some technical providers may host or process data outside Benin. When this occurs, AfricaCars must verify that appropriate contractual, technical and organizational safeguards protect that data.

7. Indicative retention periods

  • Accounts: while in use, then until deletion or prolonged inactivity.
  • Listings and photos: while published, then in a limited archive for evidence, moderation or disputes.
  • Technical and security logs: for a limited period proportionate to security needs.
  • Reports and complaints: for the time needed to handle them and retain evidence.
  • Marketing consent: until withdrawal and for the time needed to prove that withdrawal.
  • Future payment data: according to legal, accounting and tax obligations applicable to the paid service.

8. Your rights

You may request access, correction, updating, objection, restriction or deletion when those rights apply. You may also withdraw consent to direct marketing or non-essential cookies.

To exercise your rights, email contact@mail.africacars.bj and describe your request and the information needed to identify you. You may also contact Benin’s Personal Data Protection Authority if you believe your rights have not been respected.

9. Security

AfricaCars must use reasonable safeguards, including access controls, encrypted passwords, logging, backups, restricted internal access and abuse monitoring. No system is infallible, so users must also protect their credentials and report suspicious activity.

APDP formalities to be completed

Before the final public opening and the launch of subscriptions or paid options, AfricaCars will verify the formalities required by the APDP, including any declaration, register, authorization or other obligation applicable to personal-data processing.