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Privacy Policy

Last updated: 19 September 2025

This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect when you use the OpenAfrica Data Hub (“OADH“, “we”, “our”, “us”), how we use it, and the choices you have. We are a non-profit initiative focused on open data, research, and policy insights. We do not sell personal data and we aim to minimize the personal information we collect.

Who we are

OpenAfrica Data Hub — openafricadatahub.org — supports evidence-based decision-making through open datasets and public-interest research.

Contact: info@openafricadatahub.org

Scope

This policy covers information collected via our website, forms, and any pages where this policy appears. It does not cover third-party sites we link to, or external data sources we reference; those are governed by their own policies.

What we collect

  • Browsing data (minimal). Like most sites, our hosting platform records basic server logs (e.g., IP address, request URL, user-agent, date/time) for security and debugging. We do not attempt to identify individual visitors through these logs.
  • Contact & inquiry forms. If you contact us, we collect the fields you submit (e.g., name, email, phone number, inquiry type and message) so we can respond.
  • Ingest submissions (Research / Announcements / Videos / Team / Partners). When you publish content through our “Ingest” interface, we process the fields you provide (e.g., title, summary, topic, country, links, citation, and media files). We ask you not to include personal data unless it is necessary, lawful, and you have permission.
  • Cookies. We use only essential cookies required for site functionality and security. We do not run advertising cookies. If we introduce analytics or additional cookies in the future, we will update this policy.
  • Embedded content. Pages may include embedded content (e.g., YouTube videos). Embedded content behaves as if you visited the third-party site and may set its own cookies or collect data. See the third-party’s privacy policy for details.

Datasets & open data

  • Public/aggregated data. OADH primarily hosts or catalogs publicly available, aggregated, or anonymized datasets sourced from reputable providers (examples include international organizations, national statistical offices, and research institutions).
  • No intentional collection of sensitive personal data in datasets. We aim to avoid hosting personally identifiable information (PII). If you believe a dataset on our site contains personal data or infringes rights, please email info@openafricadatahub.org with the dataset link and details. We will review promptly and take appropriate action (including removal where warranted).
  • Licenses & attribution. Datasets and publications are subject to their respective licenses and terms. Always review the source license and attribution requirements before re-use.

How we use information

  • To operate, secure, and maintain our website and services;
  • To respond to messages and support requests;
  • To publish submissions you intentionally provide for public display;
  • To improve content quality and fix technical issues.

Legal bases (EEA/UK)

  • Legitimate interests (site security, essential functionality, responding to inquiries);
  • Consent (when you choose to submit content or where required);
  • Legal obligations (complying with applicable law and lawful requests).

Sharing & processors

We do not sell personal data. We may share limited data with trusted service providers who help us host the site, cache/optimize performance, deliver email, or protect security (for example: our web host, content delivery/cache provider, and form/email tools). These providers act under agreements that limit their use of data to providing services to OADH.

Data retention

  • Server logs: Kept for a limited period necessary for security and troubleshooting.
  • Contact inquiries: Kept as long as needed to handle your request and for reasonable record-keeping.
  • Published content: Content you submit for public display (e.g., research posts, partner listings) may remain published until you request removal or it is no longer relevant.

Security

We apply reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect data (e.g., access controls, TLS encryption in transit). No system is perfectly secure; please avoid submitting sensitive personal data unless necessary and permitted.

International transfers

Our hosting and service providers may be located in different countries. Where required, we rely on appropriate safeguards (such as standard contractual clauses) to protect personal data during transfers.

Your rights

Your rights depend on your location’s laws. Where applicable (e.g., GDPR/UK GDPR), you may request access, correction, deletion, restriction, or portability of your personal data, and object to certain processing. For California residents (CPRA), you may request to know, delete, and correct personal information and to opt-out of certain sharing. We do not sell personal information.

To exercise rights or submit a takedown request, email info@openafricadatahub.org. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling requests.

Children’s privacy

Our site is not directed to children under 13 (or the relevant age in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided personal data, please contact us and we will take appropriate action.

Links & embedded content

We link to and embed content from third parties (e.g., YouTube, dataset providers). Their data practices are governed by their own policies. Review those policies before interacting with third-party content.

Contact

Email: info@openafricadatahub.org

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date.

This page is for transparency and general information only and is not legal advice.