OHADA Company Registration
Complete guide to registering your company under the OHADA Uniform Act on Commercial Law — mandatory for all foreign companies seeking to participate in public procurement tenders within OHADA member states.
About the OHADA Uniform Act
The Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA) is a system of uniform business laws adopted by 17 West and Central African nations. The OHADA Uniform Act on Commercial Law establishes a standardized legal framework for company formation, registration, and operation across all member states.
Under the Uniform Act, every commercial enterprise operating within an OHADA member state must be registered in the Trade and Personal Property Credit Register (RCCM). This registration is mandatory for all companies — domestic and foreign — seeking to do business, including bidding on public procurement contracts.
Foreign companies that are not registered under the OHADA Uniform Act will be ineligible to participate in any public tender within OHADA member states. Registration must be completed before submitting a tender bid.
Registration Procedure
Determine Your Company Type
Select the appropriate legal form for your business: Public Limited Company (SA), Private Limited Company (SARL), or Sole Proprietorship (Entreprise Individuelle). Each type has different registration requirements and fee structures.
Prepare Required Documents
Gather all mandatory documents including: notarized articles of association, identification documents of directors/shareholders, registered office address proof, criminal record certificates for directors, and specimen signatures.
Register with the RCCM
Submit your application to the Trade and Personal Property Credit Register (Registre du Commerce et du Crédit Mobilier — RCCM) at the competent court of your chosen registered office location within an OHADA member state.
Obtain Tax Identification
Register with the tax authority of the OHADA member state where your company is domiciled. You will receive a Tax Identification Number (TIN) required for all commercial activities including tender applications.
Register with Social Security
Enroll with the national social security institution (CNSS or equivalent) in your host country to comply with employee protection obligations.
Comply with SYSCOHADA Accounting Standards
Adopt the OHADA Uniform Accounting System (SYSCOHADA) for your company's financial records. This harmonized accounting framework is mandatory for all registered commercial enterprises in OHADA member states.
Publish Legal Notice
Publish a notice of company formation in a legal gazette or authorized journal within the member state of registration. This public announcement is a legal requirement for company registration.
Required Documents Checklist
- Notarized Articles of Association (Statuts)
- Notarized Declaration of Registration (Déclaration Notariée de Souscription et de Versement)
- Copy of identification (passport or national ID) for all directors and shareholders
- Criminal record certificate (extrait de casier judiciaire) for directors, dated within 3 months
- Registered office address proof (lease agreement or title deed)
- Completed RCCM application form
- Specimen signatures of authorized signatories
- Certificate of capital subscription and payment (for SA and SARL)
- List of corporate officers (managers/directors)
- Power of attorney (if filing through a representative)
Registration Fees by Company Type
The following detailed fee breakdowns reflect the minimum OHADA company registration costs by company type. These cover RCCM registration, notary fees, legal publication, and administrative charges. Actual fees may vary by member state.
Public Limited Company (SA / PLC)
SA / PLC
Minimum Total Registration Fee
$5,000.00
Detailed Fee Breakdown
| # | Fee Item | Amount (USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RCCM Registration Fee | $1,500.00 | |
| 2 | Notary Fee (Articles of Association) | $800.00 | |
| 3 | Legal Publication Fee | $400.00 | |
| 4 | Tax Registration (TIN) | $250.00 | |
| 5 | CNSS Registration | $150.00 | |
| 6 | SYSCOHADA Accounting Setup | $500.00 | |
| 7 | Administrative Processing Fee | $400.00 | |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED FEE(default estimates) | $5,000.00 | ||
Private Limited Company (SARL / LLC)
SARL / LLC
Minimum Total Registration Fee
$2,500.00
Detailed Fee Breakdown
| # | Fee Item | Amount (USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RCCM Registration Fee | $1,000.00 | |
| 2 | Notary Fee (Articles of Association) | $500.00 | |
| 3 | Legal Publication Fee | $300.00 | |
| 4 | Tax Registration (TIN) | $200.00 | |
| 5 | CNSS Registration | $100.00 | |
| 6 | SYSCOHADA Accounting Setup | $350.00 | |
| 7 | Administrative Processing Fee | $300.00 | |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED FEE(default estimates) | $2,500.00 | ||
Sole Proprietorship (Entreprise Individuelle)
SP
Minimum Total Registration Fee
$1,500.00
Detailed Fee Breakdown
| # | Fee Item | Amount (USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RCCM Registration Fee | $600.00 | |
| 2 | Notary Fee (Declaration) | $300.00 | |
| 3 | Legal Publication Fee | $200.00 | |
| 4 | Tax Registration (TIN) | $150.00 | |
| 5 | CNSS Registration | $75.00 | |
| 6 | SYSCOHADA Accounting Setup | $250.00 | |
| 7 | Administrative Processing Fee | $175.00 | |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED FEE(default estimates) | $1,500.00 | ||
OHADA Member States
The OHADA Uniform Act applies in the following 17 member states. Company registration in any of these countries satisfies the OHADA compliance requirement for public procurement:
Additional Requirements for Foreign Companies
Registered Office in an OHADA Member State
Foreign companies must establish and maintain a registered office address within at least one OHADA member state.
Valid OHADA Commercial Registration Certificate
Must hold a current and valid RCCM certificate from the member state of registration.
Tax Registration
Must be registered with the tax authority in at least one OHADA member state and possess a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN).
SYSCOHADA Accounting Compliance
Company accounts must be maintained in accordance with the OHADA Uniform Accounting System (SYSCOHADA) standards.
No Active Debarment
The company must not be debarred or suspended from public procurement in any OHADA member state.
Ready to Participate in Public Tenders?
Ensure your company is fully registered under the OHADA Uniform Act before applying. Browse our available tenders and verify your eligibility.