CIPA Extends Company Constitution Deadline

STAFF WRITER | Friday March 13, 2026 11:07

 

The Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) wishes to inform the business community, company shareholders and directors, company secretaries, and all stakeholders that the deadline for the submission of Company Constitutions has been extended from 15th March 2026 to 30th September 2026. This extension has been granted to allow companies additional time to comply with the mandatory requirements under the Companies (Amendment) Act of 2025.

Importance of Submitting Your Company Constitution

Company Constitutions are a critical component of Botswana’s efforts to strengthen corporate governance, improve transparency and enhance compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards.

These global standards help protect our business environment from money laundering, terrorism financing, and other financial crimes. Submitting a compliant Company Constitution is therefore not only a legal requirement but also a vital step in protecting the integrity and credibility of Botswana’s financial and business environment.

Stakeholders are advised that all companies are mandated under Section 37 of the Act to submit the Constitution, and which Constitution shall include matters contemplated in the Act for inclusion in the Constitution, including provisions and declarations in relation to the Company controllers per the Amended First Schedule to the Act.

Stakeholders are further advised that compliance with these requirements is mandatory, and further that as per Section 37(3) of the Act, where a company fails to comply, such Company shall be deregistered.

Early Submission Encouraged

While the deadline has been extended to 30 September 2026, CIPA strongly encourages companies to submit their constitutions well before the deadline to avoid last minute congestion and ensure timely processing.

Support and Assistance

CIPA offices and Company Secretaries remain available to assist companies with guidance on the preparation and submission of their constitutions. Constitution templates for all company types can be downloaded from the CIPA website at https://www.cipa.co.bw/forms-downloads-2.

For further information, please contact:

Ms Gorata Mantu

Acting Awareness & Communications Manager

Email: gmantu@cipa.co.bw

Phone: 3673718