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Set up a company in West Africa

Why should you start a company in West Africa?

The West Africa region (full list of countries) is robust with endless opportunities for investors who want to set up a base for their business. International clients who want to start a company can do so seamlessly in Africa.

 

Registering a business in the region is incredibly simple because:

  1. A limited liability company is required to have only one director and shareholder, they can be of any nationality as an individual or corporate body.

  2. In some countries, there is no minimum initial capital required for a Limited Liability Company setup. You can begin with only CFA 100,000 (153 EUR)  only as share capital.

  3. A public limited company can be registered by a single shareholder with an initial minimum share capital of CFA 10 million (EUR 1,525).

  4. The whole process of company formation is handled by our experts at Kafui & Partners. It reduces time consumption and the complexity of legal procedures required to open a company in Africa. As a valued client, you do not need to travel to Africa to engage in the undertaking.

  5. As a region governed by the OHADA, francophone West Africa allows foreign investors to enjoy simplified business law and foreign investment perks.

Our Company Incorporation Solutions

We help in the registration of businesses in diverse ways of need. We provide company incorporation services in the following ways:
 

  1. New company registration

  2. Branch registration

  3. Company subsidiary incorporation

  4. NGO & Foundation registration

  5. Virtual Office secretarial services

How long does it take to set up a business in Africa?

Typically, the registration of a private limited liability company corporation in Africa can be completed in a couple of days.


In our experience, one to two weeks is enough for the full process, which includes the gathering of relevant information and documents. We emphasize the possibility of an expedited procedure.

FAQ FOR HOW TO REGISTER A NEW COMPANY IN AFRICA

Who are the different parties involved in the company setup process in Africa?

To start a business in Africa, you will deal with the following entities:

  • The country’s Chamber of Commerce

  • The expert (such as Kafui & Partners)

  • The country’s Tax & Customs Administration will issue the Tax Identification Documents

  • The jurisdiction’s registrar of companies

  • The Immigration Offices, in case you will apply for a residency permit such as the Startup Visa.
     

​Moreover, you may have to interact with one or more of the founders or directors you appoint for your Africa-based business. The formation of the business will require the full participation of every director and shareholder. This means they must offer a copy of their passport and proof of address, or provide copies of their information and signature that have been verified.


In West Africa, a single individual is able to register a business. Even if the individual is not a permanent resident of the region.

Is West Africa the best region to register a new company as a foreigner?

New companies will find a soft business climate in West Africa. It is one of the most prosperous places for entrepreneurs. West Africa is the ideal gateway to Africa due to its favorable tax rules for international businesses, competent and French-speaking workforce, and excellent infrastructure.

 

Consult our Incorporation team to determine how to register your business in Africa.

Do you require a residency permit to register and manage a company in Africa?

Nationalities of West African heritage are exempt from additional restrictions for company registration, employment, and residence in the region. However, they are obliged to register with the local government administration.

 

Foreigners are required to cooperate with immigration services in order to receive a residency permit or obtain a visa. If you intend to stay in one of the West African states for an extended period of time, you must examine immigration restrictions. 

 

Consider the business Visa if you intend to become a permanent resident in the region.

Are there any restrictions on trading activities as a new company in Africa?

Absolutely, for specific types of operations, such as banking, insurance, financial services, real estate, construction, and technology services. No separate business license is required for regular commercial and consulting activities.

However, we advise you on licensing requirements on request.

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Contact our team now to know if the activity you want to operate is subject to any specific license.

What’s the Language of Legislation and Corporate Documents for a new company?

The official language of each country applies. For example, in Benin, only French is allowed. In Nigeria, only English is allowed.

Types of companies we help incorporate

1) Public Limited Company (PLC)

Register your company as a PLC

This is a publicly listed company selling shares to the public. Before incorporation, a public limited company must have the legally required number of directors (2), shareholders (2), and a company secretary. For incorporation, a PLC is required to declare the minimum share capital to the registrar of companies and acquire a trading certificate.

 

2) Private Limited Company (Ltd)

This is the most common type of company we help with registering in Africa. The company’s liabilities are fully conferred to the members. Before registering a company as a private limited company, it must have the legally required number of directors and shareholders, in this case, a limited liability company requires one director and one shareholder for it to be fully incorporated. 

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3) Limited liability partnership (LLP)

This is the most preferred form of business incorporation for small business owners and professional firms. Before incorporating as a limited liability partnership, ensure you have all the required information for business registration.

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4) Charitable limited company i.e., NGOs

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Information required for company incorporation

Before registering a business or company in Africa the following are the basic requirements that an entity must fulfill:

  1. A duly searched company name- must follow very detailed rules regarding the type of company to be registered.

  2. Registered office- the company must have a proposed business location or office, including a valid postcode in the country of operation.

  3. List of directors- Must include directors' full names, residential addresses, service addresses, date of birth, nationality, and the number of shares (if any).

  4. Company Secretary

  5. Shareholder’s list and issued shares

Let’s Work Together

Get in touch so we can start working together.

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