EDGE Program

Terms and Conditions for Participant Registration

Your Privacy and Safety Matter

Before you complete your registration, please take a moment to review how your personal data will be used and how EDGE protects your rights. Welcome to EDGE, the Entrepreneurship in the Digital and Gig Economy program. By registering on this platform, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions, which are designed to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of all participants while upholding legal and ethical standards. We are committed to protecting your privacy and upholding your rights in compliance with the Personal Data Protection Proclamation No. 1321/2024 of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

1. Scope of Application

These Terms and Conditions apply to:

•       All participants registering for EDGE training, mentorship, or gig work opportunities
•       All users accessing or interacting with EDGE’s digital platforms, tools, or content
•       Any affiliated platforms operated by EDGE partners or vendors providing services under the EDGE umbrella.

By continuing to use EDGE services or platforms, you accept these terms and conditions in full. If you disagree, please refrain from using the platform or services.

2. Data Protection and Privacy

EDGE adheres to theEthiopian Data Protection Proclamation No. 1321/2024.

•       We will collect only the personal data necessary for your participation (e.g., name, age, location, contact info, training interests).
•       Your explicit consent will be obtained to store and use this information for program purposes. Collection of sensitive data is optional and will only occur with explicit consent.
•       Your data will be stored securely and not shared without your permission, unless legally required.
•       You have the right to request access, correction, or deletion of your personal data at any time.

Personal data” refers to any information that identifies you as an individual, either directly (such as your name or phone number) or indirectly (such as your IP address, age, or location). This includes information collected during registration, training, assessments, or program participation on EDGE platforms.

3 General Personal Data

We may collect:

•       Full legal name, age, sex, and nationality, mother’s name solely for purposes of legal identification and verification,
•       Contact details such as phone number, email address, and physical address
•       Official identification numbers (e.g., national ID or passport)
•       Date and place of birth
•       Educational background and qualifications
•       Current employment status or job title

3.1 Sensitive Personal Data

The following information will be requested only on a case-by-case basis, and only when necessary to support specific accommodations or inclusive programming. Your explicit consent will be obtained beforehand, and the purpose of the request will be clearly explained at the time of collection:

•       Health conditions or medical history relevant to your participation in the EDGE program
•       Racial or ethnic identification
•       Religious or philosophical beliefs
•       Biometric identifiers like photographs or fingerprint scans
•       Membership in trade unions or professional bodies

3.2 Digital and Behavioral Data

To enhance your experience with the EDGE Program’s digital tools, we may track your:[AU1]

•       IP address and hardware identifiers
•       Location data (e.g., GPS-based input)
•       Interaction patterns, user preferences, and activity logs within the Program’s digital platforms

EDGE recognizes and respects the confidentiality of any business ideas, creative outputs, or proprietary content you may share during your participation. All EDGE personnel and partners are bound by confidentiality obligations to protect your intellectual contributions, in line with our data protection and safeguarding policies.

3.3 Data Specific to Minors (Under Age 16)

For participants under 16, we collect the same categories of data, subject to the following conditions:

•       Consent must be obtained from a parent, guardian, or authorized representative
•       Data collection and usage will be strictly limited to what is necessary for participation

Safeguarding Commitment

EDGE is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.

•       We do not tolerate any form of abuse, exploitation, harassment, or discrimination.
•       All program personnel and partners are required to follow EDGE’s Safeguarding Policy.
•       If you experience or witness a safeguarding concern, you have the right to report it confidentially through:
•  📧 safe@edge.et
•  📞 7433
•  🌐 EDGE Program Safeguarding Concern Reporting Form

Platform Use

•       You agree to use EDGE platforms and tools respectfully, without engaging in harmful, offensive, or illegal behavior.
•       You must not access or share pornographic or unauthorized content, send inappropriate messages or links, or use EDGE systems for any activity unrelated to the program or in violation of Ethiopian law.
•       Content and materials provided through EDGE may not be reproduced or distributed without permission.

Participant Code of Conduct

By registering on the EDGE platform, you agree to:

•       Treat fellow participants, trainers, and staff with respect and professionalism
•       Attend scheduled activities and communicate in case of absence
•       Abide by EDGE’s safeguarding framework, including digital behavior standards
•       Not engaging in discrimination, harassment, or any form of misconduct.

Limitation of Liability

EDGE is not responsible for losses due to internet outages, third-party service failures, or participant misuse of the platform. We strive to ensure a safe and  secure experience but cannot guarantee uninterrupted access.