Privacy Policy & Data Governance
Global Shea Alliance Privacy Statement
The Global Shea Alliance ("GSA", "we", "our", or "us") is dedicated to protecting the privacy and security of our members, partners, website visitors, and corporate stakeholders. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and safeguard business data, personal information, and digital interactions across our official website, membership portal, and trade platforms.
By accessing our website or registering for membership, you agree to the data collection and processing practices described in this policy.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information necessary to facilitate international trade cooperation, membership directory management, and sustainability program participation. Categories of data collected include:
- Corporate & Business Information: Company name, registered country, business category, trade volume estimates, and verification documents required for membership and directory listings.
- Personal Contact Data: Full name, professional title, corporate email address, telephone numbers, and secretariat communication history.
- Transaction & Event Data: Registration details for GSA annual conferences, conference presentations, B2B matchmaking sessions, and paid membership tier fee processing records.
- Technical & Cookie Data: IP addresses, browser types, device information, and site navigation cookies utilized to optimize user experience and site security.
2. How We Use Collected Data
The information collected is utilized exclusively for organizational objectives and member services, including:
- Maintaining and updating the GSA Member Directory across our 36 member countries.
- Processing corporate membership applications, invoicing, and secure fee payments.
- Facilitating B2B trade connections and tender notifications via platforms such as SheaMarket.
- Distributing official GSA organizational updates, sustainability reports, and conference invitations.
3. Data Security & Storage
GSA implements rigorous administrative, technical, and physical security measures to safeguard your business and personal records against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Access to confidential member data is strictly restricted to authorized secretariat personnel.
4. Cookie Policy
Our website utilizes essential and analytical cookies to ensure core site functionality, analyze traffic patterns, and remember user preferences. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse non-essential cookies; however, doing so may impact certain portal login and resource download features.
5. Your Data Rights
Members and registered users retain the right to review, update, or request the deletion of their personal and corporate records from our active directory databases at any time.
6. Contact for Privacy Questions
If you have any questions, concerns, or formal requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data governance practices, please reach out directly to our secretariat compliance team: