Starting a business in Botswana has become more streamlined with the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority’s (CIPA) Online Business Registration System (OBRS). Launched in June 2019, the OBRS allows entrepreneurs to register their companies online, eliminating the need for physical visits to CIPA offices.
Step 1: Create a Profile
Begin by visiting the CIPA website and selecting “Create Profile.” Follow the prompts to set up your user account.
Step 2: Reserve a Company Name
After creating your profile, proceed to reserve your desired company name. This process ensures that your chosen name is unique and complies with CIPA’s naming guidelines. The reservation fee is P20, and feedback is typically provided within 24 hours.
Step 3: Register the Company
Once your company name is reserved, you can proceed with the registration. The OBRS will guide you through entering essential details, including:
- General Details: Verify that the company name and number match your reservation. Decide whether to use a constitution (mandatory for companies limited by guarantee) and specify if your company is exempt or non-exempt.
- Address and Contact Details: Provide the registered office address, postal address, principal place of business, phone number, and email address.
- Director Details: Input information for each director, including appointment dates.
- Company Secretary Details: Enter details of the company secretary, ensuring they hold a valid practicing certificate, as required by the Companies Act.
- Auditor Details: If applicable, provide auditor information.
- Shareholder Details: List all shareholders and their respective appointment dates.
- Allocate Shares: Assign shares to each shareholder accordingly.
After entering all necessary information, review your application for accuracy, confirm that all parties have consented, and submit it.
Step 4: Payment
The registration fee is P360. Payments can be made using credit or debit cards, including VISA cards issued by Orange Money or Mascom MyZaka. Alternatively, you can deposit funds into a CIPA account at First National Bank.
Step 5: Re-Registration Completion
Upon successful payment, if all parties are Botswana citizens, your company will be automatically re-registered. For companies with non-citizen members, the application undergoes a review process, typically completed within 24 hours. Once approved, you’ll receive an SMS notification and an email with your Certificate of Incorporation attached. You can access your certificate anytime through your OBRS dashboard.
For a visual guide on the re-registration process, CIPA has provided a helpful video tutorial.
Click here to watch video guide.
By following these steps, entrepreneurs can efficiently register their companies in Botswana, leveraging CIPA’s OBRS for a seamless experience.