Company Re-Registration Online Requirement, Impact On IP

The Government of Zimbabwe, a few years ago, enacted the Companies and Other Business Entities Act (Companies Act). Last week by publication of regulations in the Gazette, it announced that owners of all companies currently registered in Zimbabwe will need to re-register their companies online. This requirement marks a major turning point in registration and record keeping system for private companies in Zimbabwe. In straightforward terms, "all companies and Private Business Corporations" registered under the old paper-based system must migrate to the new electronic register by 20 April 2026. Companies are encouraged to comply within the required timeframe to avoid the risk of deregistration or removal from the official register of companies.