Extend the company constitution deadline in Botswana
The Issue
As a company secretary and small business owner in Botswana, I have witnessed firsthand how the current regulations regarding company constitutions are affecting businesses. Both my own company and others I work with, face challenges due to these rigid deadlines imposed by CIPA (Companies and Intellectual Property Authority). The current deadline of 30 September 2026 for submission has already proven problematic. The initial deadline fell on a public holiday, causing a backlog and slow processing times, leaving many businesses, including mine, vulnerable to being struck off.
In a country where many businesses are still growing and may not yet be profitable, the P2,000 reinstatement penalty is an insurmountable hurdle. This fee, on top of the costs required to submit constitutions, is a financial burden that small and struggling businesses simply cannot afford. We are calling on CIPA to extend this deadline, allow for the reinstatement of struck-off companies without the burdensome penalties, and reduce the reinstatement fee.
Businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving job creation and innovation. Penalizing them through tough deadlines and high costs only serves to stifle their growth and, by extension, the growth of Botswana's economy. Studies show that an increase in local business activity can significantly boost economic stability and create employment opportunities. It is vital that existing regulations do not discourage entrepreneurship or jeopardize established enterprises.
We propose a more flexible approach. Extending the deadline would provide much-needed relief to business owners struggling to meet the existing requirements. Additionally, waiving or reducing the reinstatement fee for those unable to meet the past deadline is necessary to ensure these businesses continue to operate and contribute to the economy.
The current CIPA policies do not consider the practical realities faced by small businesses. Adjusting these policies will demonstrate support towards entrepreneurs and acknowledge the critical role they play within our society. Join us in urging CIPA to amend these regulations, fostering an environment where local businesses can thrive rather than face unnecessary administrative obstacles.
Please sign this petition to support reasonable adjustments that will benefit small businesses across Botswana.
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The Issue
As a company secretary and small business owner in Botswana, I have witnessed firsthand how the current regulations regarding company constitutions are affecting businesses. Both my own company and others I work with, face challenges due to these rigid deadlines imposed by CIPA (Companies and Intellectual Property Authority). The current deadline of 30 September 2026 for submission has already proven problematic. The initial deadline fell on a public holiday, causing a backlog and slow processing times, leaving many businesses, including mine, vulnerable to being struck off.
In a country where many businesses are still growing and may not yet be profitable, the P2,000 reinstatement penalty is an insurmountable hurdle. This fee, on top of the costs required to submit constitutions, is a financial burden that small and struggling businesses simply cannot afford. We are calling on CIPA to extend this deadline, allow for the reinstatement of struck-off companies without the burdensome penalties, and reduce the reinstatement fee.
Businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving job creation and innovation. Penalizing them through tough deadlines and high costs only serves to stifle their growth and, by extension, the growth of Botswana's economy. Studies show that an increase in local business activity can significantly boost economic stability and create employment opportunities. It is vital that existing regulations do not discourage entrepreneurship or jeopardize established enterprises.
We propose a more flexible approach. Extending the deadline would provide much-needed relief to business owners struggling to meet the existing requirements. Additionally, waiving or reducing the reinstatement fee for those unable to meet the past deadline is necessary to ensure these businesses continue to operate and contribute to the economy.
The current CIPA policies do not consider the practical realities faced by small businesses. Adjusting these policies will demonstrate support towards entrepreneurs and acknowledge the critical role they play within our society. Join us in urging CIPA to amend these regulations, fostering an environment where local businesses can thrive rather than face unnecessary administrative obstacles.
Please sign this petition to support reasonable adjustments that will benefit small businesses across Botswana.
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Petition created on 1 October 2026