MEERGE AFRICA – TERMS OF USE

Last Updated: 20 November 2025

Welcome to Meerge Africa, a proprietary technology platform operated by Meerge Africa Technologies Limited ("Meerge Africa", "we", "us", "our"). These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our websites, mobile applications, digital platforms, shared kitchen services, chef-operating services, delivery logistics, AI features, and all related tools (collectively referred to as the "Platform").

By accessing or using the Platform, you ("User", "you") agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

If you need clarification at any point, contact us at legal@meergeafrica.com.

1. General Terms

1.1. These Terms apply to your use of the Platform—including browsing, registering, renting kitchen spaces, onboarding as a chef, operating as a vendor/restaurant, placing food orders, using our logistics systems, or accessing any AI-powered tools.

1.2. By using our Platform, you confirm that you accept and will comply with these Terms.

1.3. Breach of these Terms may result in suspension, restriction, or permanent withdrawal of your access.

1.4. We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify registered users via email or in-app notifications.

2. Services Provided by Meerge Africa

The Platform enables:

2.1 Shared Cloud Kitchen Services

  • Access to fully equipped, ready-to-use kitchen facilities ("Kitchen Spaces").
  • Rental options for professional chefs, food brands, and restaurants.
  • Kitchen onboarding, training, sanitation compliance, and inspections.

2.2 Chef & Entrepreneur Incubation

  • Onboarding of chefs/food entrepreneurs ("Operators").
  • Training, certification, performance evaluation, and business support.

2.3 Restaurant & Vendor Operations

  • Restaurants and food entrepreneurs may operate from Meerge Africa's kitchens under partnership or rental agreements.
  • Meerge Africa may provide operations management, menu support, procurement tools, and customer support.

2.4 Logistics & Delivery

  • Pickup and delivery through Meerge Africa riders or third-party logistics partners.
  • Order aggregation and dispatch automation.

2.5 AI-Powered Tools

  • Menu intelligence
  • Kitchen scheduling
  • Order predictions
  • Inventory and cost optimization
  • AI-assisted customer service

Users must consent before using any AI feature.

2.6 Marketplace Features

  • Food ordering
  • Subscription plans
  • Kitchen rentals
  • Meal plans
  • Supply procurement (QuickMarket)

2.7 Agency / Facilitation Notice

Meerge Africa does not prepare meals for restaurants unless explicitly stated.

Restaurants and Operators are responsible for:

  • Food quality
  • Safety
  • Preparation
  • Hygiene
  • Menu descriptions

3. Access to Platform

3.1. We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access.

3.2. You are responsible for:

  • Obtaining internet access
  • Keeping devices updated
  • Ensuring your login details remain confidential

3.3. Your actions and all activities under your account remain your responsibility.

4. Registration & Membership

4.1. Users must be 18 or older.

4.2. To access full services, you must create an account with:

  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Business details (for vendors/chefs)
  • Verification documents

4.3. You agree to provide accurate, current and complete information.

4.4. Loss or theft of your account access must be reported immediately: security@meergeafrica.com

4.5. We may verify the identity of any User at any time.

4.6. Meerge Africa may suspend or terminate accounts for:

  • Fraud
  • Misrepresentation
  • Safety concerns
  • Operational violations

5. Payments

5.1. Payments are processed by approved third-party payment processors.

5.2. Available payment channels include:

  • Debit Card
  • Bank Transfer
  • Wallet Balance
  • USSD
  • QR Code
  • Third-party wallets

5.3. Prices shown on the Platform are inclusive of applicable taxes.

5.4. Kitchen rentals, operator plans, commissions, and delivery fees will be displayed and explained at checkout or within your vendor dashboard.

5.5. All transactions are final except where expressly stated otherwise.

5.6. Meerge Africa is NOT liable for payment processor failures.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1. The Platform, technology, branding, UI/UX, AI systems, and content belong exclusively to Meerge Africa.

6.2. You may not:

  • Copy
  • Reproduce
  • Modify
  • Reverse engineer
  • Resell
  • Extract data

without written permission from Meerge Africa.

6.3. If you believe any content infringes on your intellectual property rights, contact: ip@meergeafrica.com.

7. No Reliance

7.1. Menu items and operator descriptions are provided by restaurants and chefs.

7.2. Meerge Africa does not guarantee:

  • Quality
  • Accuracy
  • Availability
  • Portion sizes
  • Ingredient accuracy

8. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by Nigerian Law:

8.1. Meerge Africa is not liable for:

  • Food safety issues originating from vendors
  • Loss of business
  • Loss of data
  • Operational delays
  • Delivery delays
  • Chef performance
  • Third-party logistics issues
  • Vendor cancellation
  • Injury arising from improper food handling by Operators

8.2. Meerge Africa does not guarantee uninterrupted access to the Platform.

8.3. You use the Platform at your own risk.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify Meerge Africa from all claims arising from:

  • Misuse of our Platform
  • Violation of Terms
  • Non-compliance with food regulations
  • Delivery of unsafe food
  • Misrepresentation of business details

10. Term & Termination

Your use of the Platform continues until:

  • You deactivate your account
  • We terminate your access

We reserve the right to suspend users who violate these Terms.

11. Restricted Activities

Users must NOT:

  • Use the Platform for illegal activity
  • Misrepresent identity
  • Publish harmful/obscene content
  • Harass or threaten other Users
  • Reverse engineer our software
  • Undermine Meerge Africa's business
  • Circumvent fees
  • Operate without required food safety certifications

12. Electronic Communication

By using the Platform, you consent to:

  • Email communication
  • Electronic notices
  • Digital contracts
  • Electronic signatures

13. Severability

If any part of these Terms is invalid, the remaining parts remain enforceable.

14. Personal Data

Personal data is handled under our NDPA-compliant Privacy Policy, available on the Platform.

We do not share data except:

  • With consent
  • With payment processors
  • With logistics partners (limited data)
  • When legally required

15. Sanctions for Breach

Violations may result in:

  • Account suspension
  • Account termination
  • Reporting to regulatory authorities
  • Legal action

16. Food Orders & Vendor Operations

16.1. Product photos and descriptions are for illustration unless provided directly by the vendor.

16.2. You must verify your order at checkout.

16.3. Order errors must be reported immediately.

16.4. Refund decisions are case-dependent.

16.5. Meerge Africa may refuse service at its discretion.

17. Delivery

17.1. Deliveries are handled by Meerge Africa or authorized partners.

17.2. You must ensure:

  • correct address
  • reachable phone number
  • safe delivery access

17.3. Undeliverable orders are non-refundable.

18. Complaints

Submit all complaints to: support@meergeafrica.com

19. Disclaimer

All services are provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE".

We do not warrant:

  • uninterrupted performance
  • accuracy of AI recommendations
  • food suitability for allergies
  • vendor reliability

20. Promotional Codes

Promotional codes:

  • Must be used lawfully
  • Cannot be sold, transferred, or duplicated
  • May be revoked
  • Cannot be exchanged for cash

21. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by Nigerian Law. Disputes fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of Nigerian courts.

22. Version Control

This document was last updated on 20 November 2025