Zim extends deadline for company and business re-registration

NONTOKOZO MOYO AND FUNGAI CHIMWAMUROMBE

The Government of Zimbabwe has set a new deadline for the re-registration of companies and business co-operations through Statutory Instrument 108 of 2025, which was gazetted earlier this year.

The operation of companies in Zimbabwe is regulated by the Companies and Other Business Entities Act [Chapter 24:31], which came into effect in February 2020, replacing the old Companies Act. Section 303(9) of the Act obliges all entities that were incorporated under the repealed Act to undergo re-registration in order to align with the current legal framework.

This obligation applies to all forms of business entities, including:

• Local companies;
• Foreign companies operating in Zimbabwe; and
• Private business corporations.

Under Statutory Instrument 108 of 2025, all affected companies must complete the re-registration process by 20 April 2026. This deadline provides a six-month window for compliance.

Failure to comply with this statutory requirement carries serious legal and commercial consequences. Companies that fail to re-register by the deadline face:

• Automatic de-registration;
• Removal from the official register of companies; and
• Forfeiture of all assets, both movable and immovable, to the State.

Re-registration is not a mere administrative formality. It is a statutory obligation that ensures companies continue to operate lawfully, maintain their corporate identity, and safeguard their assets. Entities that fail to comply expose themselves to the risk of being struck off and losing their property.

It is strongly advised that all company directors, shareholders, and members of business co-operations review their entity’s registration status without delay. Engaging a competent legal practitioner or consulting directly with the Registrar of Companies will assist in:

• Confirming whether your entity is affected by the regulation; and
• Facilitating the re-registration process within the statutory period.

The deadline of 20 April 2026 is final and binding. Businesses should act swiftly to ensure compliance and avoid the severe consequences of non-registration. Timely re-registration will protect the legal standing of companies and secure the continuity of their operations in Zimbabwe.

Nontokozo Moyo a senior Associate at Zenas legal Practice and can be contacted on WhatsApp +263 77 770 9303

nontokozok@zenaslegalpractice.com

Fungai Chimwamurombe is a registered legal practitioner and Senior Partner at Chimwamurombe Legal Practice and can be contacted through email fungai@zenaslegalpractice.com.