19 Jun 2016

Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) and Competition Authority (CA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which provides a framework for the two parties to cooperate and communicate constructively. 

The MoU stipulates that the two parties would meet regularly to discuss matters of common interest to enable ease of doing business in Botswana and share relevant information and strategies. 

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony in Gaborone on June 16, CIPA registrar general Mr Conductor Masena stated that the two organisations had a symbiotic relationship which could assist Botswana to attain its economic development aspirations. 

He said the mergers and acquisitions that had been approved by CA had to be registered with CIPA as company amalgamations and also as record of change of company shareholding. 

Mr Masena noted that the MoU offered an opportunity for them to explore and inform themselves on the status and stage of company mergers and acquisitions to ensure accuracy of data provided by businesses and enhance integrity. 

He further highlighted that an effective collaborative effort between CIPA and CA would no doubt serve to intensify the delivery of services to the nation by the respective entities. 

“The MOU signed here today represents a great milestone for collaborative efforts between the two organisations and it will assist in providing a more committed approach to working more closely together which will allow us to reach our common goal,” he said.

He said the two parties would create many significant activities which would target individuals and the business community in their quest to set up business, create employment for citizens and improve the global competitiveness of the country. 

CA acting chief executive officer, Ms Tebelelo Pule said government invested resources in the two organisations and the signing of the MoU would assist them in serving Batswana with diligence. 

She noted that the two organisations dealt with sensitive data adding that they would observe confidentiality to ensure business in Botswana is not threatened. 

Ms Pule said information would now be available as and when needed to ensure transparency between the two parties. 

She highlighted that as CA they ensure that there was fair competition and companies do business ethically without any favours. 

She stated that the two entities would share resources to avoid situations where some companies merged without licenses. 

Ms Pule said the joint working committee would meet as and when necessary to ensure that the main objectives of the MoU were fulfilled. ENDS