Membership Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions govern your membership with the African Business Trade Association (ABTA), a pan-African business association registered in the United Kingdom.
1. Definitions
"ABTA" refers to the African Business Trade Association.
"Member" refers to an individual or organisation that has subscribed to ABTA membership.
"Membership Year" refers to a twelve-month period from the date of subscription.
"Services" refers to all benefits, events, resources and programmes provided to Members.
"Business Day" refers to any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a public holiday in England.
2. Membership Categories
2.1. ABTA membership is available to individuals and organisations engaged in or supporting trade and investment between Africa and international markets.
2.2. Full details of membership tiers, fees and benefits are available at www.abta.africa/membership.
2.3. ABTA reserves the right to introduce new membership categories or modify existing ones with reasonable notice.
3. Membership Fees
3.1. Annual membership fees are published on the ABTA website at www.abta.africa/membership.
3.2. Fees are payable in full at the start of each Membership Year.
3.3. ABTA may adjust fees annually. Adjusted fees apply to new memberships and renewals from the date of adjustment.
3.4. Fee increases do not apply to the current Membership Year for existing Members.
4. Application Process
4.1. All applications must be submitted through ABTA's official channels.
4.2. Applications require accurate and complete information about the applicant.
4.3. ABTA reviews all applications and reserves the right to accept or decline without providing reasons.
4.4. Membership is confirmed upon payment receipt and written acceptance from ABTA.
4.5. Providing false or misleading information may result in immediate termination without refund.
5. Payment Terms
5.1. Payment must be made in GBP via methods specified by ABTA.
5.2. Membership benefits commence upon cleared payment receipt.
5.3. All fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
5.4. Non-payment within 30 days of the due date results in automatic suspension of membership benefits.
5.5. Membership terminates automatically if fees remain unpaid for 30 days.
6. Member Obligations
6.1. Members must:
Maintain accurate contact and organisational information
Conduct business in a professional and ethical manner
Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
Respect the intellectual property rights of ABTA and other Members
Uphold ABTA's reputation and values
6.2. Members must not:
Misrepresent their membership status or relationship with ABTA
Use ABTA's name, logo or materials without prior written consent
Engage in conduct that brings ABTA into disrepute
Solicit other Members for purposes unrelated to legitimate business activities
Share membership login credentials or access with non-members
7. Member Rights and Benefits
7.1. Members receive benefits as specified for their membership tier.
7.2. ABTA does not guarantee specific outcomes from membership.
7.3. Some services and events may require advance booking or incur additional fees.
7.4. ABTA reserves the right to modify benefits with reasonable notice.
7.5. Access to certain benefits may be subject to availability or eligibility criteria.
8. Events and Programmes
8.1. Event access is subject to availability and advance registration.
8.2. ABTA may charge additional fees for certain events beyond standard membership.
8.3. Members are responsible for all travel, accommodation and related expenses.
8.4. ABTA may cancel, postpone or modify events due to circumstances beyond its control.
8.5. Event cancellations do not entitle Members to refunds or credits.
8.6. Members must comply with all event policies and venue requirements.
9. Code of Conduct
9.1. Members must maintain professional standards in all interactions with ABTA staff, other Members and third parties.
9.2. Harassment, discrimination or abusive behaviour is prohibited.
9.3. Members must respect confidential information shared during ABTA activities.
9.4. Business disputes between Members must be resolved privately without involving ABTA.
10. Suspension of Membership
10.1. ABTA may suspend membership if:
Fees are overdue by more than 30 days
A Member breaches these Terms
An investigation into potential misconduct is underway
Continued membership poses reputational risk to ABTA
10.2. During suspension, all membership benefits are withdrawn.
10.3. Suspended Members must not represent themselves as active ABTA Members.
10.4. Suspension does not affect the obligation to pay outstanding fees.
11. Termination
11.1. Termination by Member
11.1.1. Members may terminate by providing 30 days' written notice.
11.1.2. Termination takes effect at the end of the notice period.
11.1.3. No refunds are provided for unused portions of the Membership Year.
11.1.4. Outstanding fees remain payable upon termination.
11.2. Termination by ABTA
11.2.1. ABTA may terminate membership immediately if a Member:
Materially breaches these Terms
Engages in illegal or unethical conduct
Provides false information
Damages ABTA's reputation
Fails to pay fees within 30 days
11.2.2. ABTA will provide written notice of termination stating the effective date.
11.2.3. Terminated Members forfeit all benefits without refund.
11.2.4. Terminated Members may not reapply for membership without ABTA's written consent.
12. Renewal
12.1. Membership renews automatically on the anniversary of the start date.
12.2. ABTA will send renewal notices at least 30 days before the renewal date.
12.3. Members must provide written notice at least 30 days before renewal to prevent automatic renewal.
12.4. ABTA may decline to renew membership without providing reasons.
12.5. Renewed membership is subject to the then-current fees and Terms.
13. Intellectual Property
13.1. All ABTA materials, including logos, publications and research, are ABTA's exclusive property.
13.2. Members may use materials for internal business purposes only.
13.3. Members must not reproduce, modify, distribute or commercially exploit ABTA materials without written permission.
13.4. Members grant ABTA permission to use their name and logo in membership directories and promotional materials unless otherwise requested in writing.
14. Data Protection and Privacy
14.1. ABTA processes personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
14.2. Member data is used to:
Deliver membership services
Communicate updates and opportunities
Improve ABTA's offerings
Fulfil legal obligations
14.3. ABTA may share limited Member information in directories accessible to other Members.
14.4. Members may access, correct or request deletion of their data subject to legal requirements.
14.5. Full details are available in ABTA's Privacy Policy.
15. Communications
15.1. Members consent to receive communications from ABTA via email, post, telephone and other electronic means.
15.2. Communications include membership updates, event invitations, research publications and promotional materials.
15.3. Members may opt out of marketing communications whilst maintaining service-related updates.
15.4. All notices under these Terms must be sent in writing to the addresses provided.
15.5. Notices are deemed received on the next Business Day after sending.
16. Limitation of Liability
16.1. ABTA provides services on an "as is" basis without warranties of any kind.
16.2. ABTA does not guarantee specific business outcomes, introductions or opportunities.
16.3. ABTA is not liable for:
Indirect, consequential or special damages
Loss of profits, revenue or business opportunities
Actions or omissions of other Members or third parties
Errors or omissions in the information provided
16.4. ABTA's total liability for any claim is limited to the annual membership fee paid by the Member.
16.5. Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for death, personal injury caused by negligence or fraud.
17. Indemnity
17.1. Members indemnify ABTA against all claims, losses and expenses arising from:
Breach of these Terms
Misuse of ABTA materials or intellectual property
Member's business activities or representations
Claims by third parties related to the Member's conduct
18. Force Majeure
18.1. ABTA is not liable for failure to perform obligations due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control.
18.2. Such circumstances include natural disasters, war, terrorism, pandemics, government restrictions and strikes.
18.3. ABTA will use reasonable efforts to minimise the impact of such events.
18.4. Force majeure events do not entitle Members to refunds or fee reductions.
19. Dispute Resolution
19.1. Members must first attempt to resolve disputes through direct communication with ABTA.
19.2. If unresolved, either party may refer the matter to mediation before commencing legal proceedings.
19.3. Each party will bear its own costs in relation to any mediation.
19.4. Nothing in this clause prevents either party from seeking urgent injunctive relief.
20. Amendments to Terms
20.1. ABTA may amend these Terms at any time by publishing the updated Terms on the ABTA website.
20.2. Continued membership after amendments take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
20.3. Members are responsible for reviewing the Terms periodically to remain informed of any changes.
21. General Provisions
21.1. These Terms constitute the entire agreement between ABTA and the Member.
21.2. No verbal statements or representations modify these Terms.
21.3. If any provision is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions remain in full effect.
21.4. ABTA's failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that right.
21.5. Members may not assign or transfer membership without ABTA's written consent.
21.6. ABTA may assign its rights and obligations to a successor organisation.
22. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
22.1. These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
22.2. Both parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
23. Complaints Procedure
23.1. Complaints should be submitted in writing to abta@abta.africa.
23.2. ABTA will acknowledge complaints within 1 month.
23.3. ABTA will investigate and respond within 1 month where possible.
23.4. If a Member is dissatisfied with the response, they may request escalation to ABTA's Executive Director.
By subscribing to ABTA membership, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.