Cookie Policy
Last updated: March 2026
1.0 Introduction
This Cookie and Similar Technologies Policy ("Cookie Policy") explains how AkawoPay Technologies Limited ("AkawoPay," "we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website at www.akawopay.com, use our mobile application, or interact with any of our digital platforms (collectively, the "Platform").
This Cookie Policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy, which provides comprehensive information about how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal data, and our Terms of Use and Conditions.
AkawoPay Technologies Limited is a company incorporated under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, registered with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission as a data controller of major importance, and is the organisation responsible for the use of cookies and similar technologies on the Platform.
2.0 What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet, or other internet-enabled device) when you visit a website or use a digital service. Cookies allow the website to recognise your device and store certain information about your preferences, actions, or past interactions.
Similar technologies include, but are not limited to:
- Software Development Kits (SDKs): Packages of code embedded in our mobile application that enable specific functions, such as analytics, authentication, or integration with third-party services.
- Pixels and Web Beacons: Small, transparent image files or code snippets embedded in web pages or emails that allow us to track whether content has been accessed or an email has been opened.
- Local Storage and Session Storage: Browser-based storage mechanisms that allow our Platform to store data locally on your device for the duration of a session or beyond.
- Application Programming Interfaces (APIs): Interfaces used by our Platform to communicate with third-party services, which may involve the transmission of device-level or session-level data.
- Device Fingerprinting: The collection of information about your device (such as browser type, operating system, screen resolution, and installed plugins) to create a unique identifier for your device.
Accordingly, all references to "cookies" in this Cookie Policy include similar tracking technologies as described above, unless the context requires otherwise.
3.0 How We Obtain Your Consent
The use of cookies on our Platform requires your consent, except for Necessary Cookies as defined in Section 4.1.
3.1 Cookie Banner
When you first visit our website or open our mobile application, you will see a cookie consent banner that is displayed conspicuously on the first section of the page that appears, without requiring you to scroll. This banner presents you with specific "Accept" or "Reject" options for each category of non-necessary cookies.
All non-necessary cookies are disabled by default and will not be activated unless you affirmatively select "Accept" for the relevant category.
3.2 Consent for Mobile Application
On our mobile application, where traditional browser-based cookie mechanisms do not apply, we use equivalent consent mechanisms for SDKs and similar tracking technologies. Before any non-necessary SDK or tracking technology is activated, you will be presented with a consent screen that mirrors the functionality of the cookie banner described above, providing you with the same level of information and the same "Accept" or "Reject" options for each category of tracking technology.
3.3 Withdrawal of Consent
You may withdraw your consent to non-necessary cookies and tracking technologies at any time by:
- Accessing the Cookie Preferences page, which is available from the footer of every page on our website and from the settings menu of our mobile application;
- Adjusting your Privacy Settings within your AkawoPay Account.
Upon withdrawal of consent, non-necessary cookies will be deactivated and, where technically feasible, previously placed cookies will be deleted. Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
4.0 Categories of Cookies
We categorise the cookies and similar technologies used on our Platform into the following groups.
4.1 Necessary Cookies
Necessary cookies are cookies that enable core functionality such as security, network stability management, and accessibility. These cookies do not process sensitive data, financial data, or any data stored privately by a data subject, and do not require your consent.
These cookies are essential for the basic operation of our Platform and cannot be disabled without significantly impairing your ability to use the Service.
4.2 Analytics Cookies
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our Platform by collecting and reporting information about usage patterns. This data is used to improve the functionality, performance, and user experience of our Platform. These cookies are optional and will not be activated unless you provide your affirmative consent.
4.3 Functional Cookies
Functional cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation features that are not strictly necessary for the core operation of the Platform but improve your experience. These cookies are optional and will not be activated unless you provide your affirmative consent.
5.0 Data Retention
The following retention period shall apply with respect to cookies.
| Data category | Retention period | Justification |
|---|---|---|
| Necessary cookie data | Duration of session or up to 12 months and as specified in applicable law. | Required for platform security, session management, and consent record-keeping. |
| Analytics cookie data (raw) | 14 months from collection, after which it is aggregated and anonymised. | Consistent with industry standard analytics retention; anonymised data is retained for trend analysis. |
| Functional cookie data | Retained until consent is withdrawn or as specified in applicable law. | Retained only for the duration of valid consent and functional purpose. |
6.0 Managing Cookies Through Browser and Device Settings
In addition to the Cookie Preferences page on our Platform, you may manage cookies through your web browser or device settings. Most browsers allow you to:
- View the cookies stored on your device;
- Delete individual cookies or all cookies;
- Block cookies from specific websites or from all websites; and
- Set preferences for how cookies are handled (e.g., accept, reject, or prompt before accepting).
Please note that if you disable or block Necessary Cookies through your browser settings, certain features of our Platform may not function correctly, including login, session management, security features, and the BNPL checkout process.
For information on how to manage cookies in your browser, please refer to the help section of your browser or visit the browser's official support page.
For managing tracking technologies on your mobile device, please refer to your device's operating system settings, which typically allow you to reset advertising identifiers, limit ad tracking, and manage app permissions for data access.
We note, however, that browser settings and device settings operate independently of our Cookie Preferences page, and managing cookies through these settings does not replace the consent mechanism described in Section 3.0.
7.0 Updates To This Policy
We may make changes to this Cookie Policy from time to time as may be required. In the event of a change to this Cookie Policy, the 'Last Updated' date of this Cookie Policy shall be indicative of any update. Any modifications shall be effective immediately upon posting the updated Cookie Policy on the Website. We will attempt to notify You of any modifications to this Cookie Policy, but we generally advise our Users to regularly visit this page to keep track of changes, if any.
8.0 Contact Us
Users can contact our DPO by sending an email to hello@akawopay.com to get more information concerning cookies.