CIPA Refutes Claims of Revenue Loss in Online Business Registration System. The Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) has strongly dismissed allegations made by the Business Weekly & Review regarding revenue losses and operational inefficiencies in its Online Business Registration System (OBRS). CIPA maintains that the system has significantly improved business registration processes and contributed to Botswana’s economic growth.
According to CIPA, the Business Weekly & Review published misleading claims, particularly regarding a past decision to write off outstanding annual returns. The authority clarified that this decision was made before CIPA’s establishment and was carried out by the former Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property (ROCIP), which operated under the then Ministry of Trade and Industry.
CIPA further refuted accusations of revenue leakages, stating that OBRS has built-in tracking capabilities that provide a clear audit trail for all transactions. These features, the authority emphasized, have allowed it to detect and minimize any potential losses effectively.
Contrary to claims of financial setbacks, CIPA reported that OBRS doubled its revenue from P40 million to P80 million in its first year of operation, with consistent growth in subsequent years. The collected funds are deposited into the consolidated fund for redistribution by the Ministry of Finance. As a state-owned enterprise, CIPA assured the public that it upholds strict accountability measures, including regular audits of the OBRS to ensure transparency and efficiency.
CIPA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining an efficient, reliable, and secure online business registration platform. It highlighted the system’s role in supporting entrepreneurship and simplifying business registration for individuals, companies, and government entities.
The authority encouraged open dialogue for addressing concerns and assured stakeholders of its continued focus on digital transformation to enhance service delivery and create a business-friendly environment.
