Overview
Yes—companies and Private Business Corporations (PBCs) may apply to change their registered name under Section 26,
provided the new name is approved by the Registrar of Companies.
Approvals Needed
The Registrar’s written approval is mandatory. The proposed name must be unique and compliant with the Act’s
naming regulations.
Documents Required
- Application for Name Change
- Current Certificate of Incorporation
- Special resolution approving the name change
- Updated Memorandum and Articles of Association (if amended)
- Payment of prescribed fees
Publication Requirements
Once approved, the name change must be published in the Government Gazette and in a
daily newspaper circulating in the district of the registered office.
After the Name Change
The Registrar issues a Certificate of Name Change. You must update statutory registers, contracts, bank accounts,
licenses, and official records to reflect the new name.
Legal Effect
A change of name does not alter legal identity, rights, obligations, or pending proceedings.
All contracts and liabilities continue seamlessly under the new name.
FAQs
1) Can I change my company or PBC name?
Yes, subject to Registrar approval under Section 26.
2) What approvals are needed?
Written approval from the Registrar, confirming the new name is valid and unique.
3) What documents must I submit?
Application form, certificate of incorporation, special resolution, updated constitutive documents (if needed), and fees.
4) Is publication required?
Yes—in the Government Gazette and a daily newspaper covering your registered office area.
5) What happens after approval?
A Certificate of Name Change is issued, after which you must update records and registrations.
6) Does it affect legal rights or obligations?
No—the entity continues unchanged; only its name is altered.
Africa Trade Solutions — Your Partner in Corporate Name Changes
We provide end-to-end support for entity name changes under Section 26:
- Name availability search and reservation
- Preparation and filing of all applications
- Registrar liaison
- Gazette & newspaper publication
- Advisory on updating contracts, bank accounts, and compliance records
Contact:
info@africatradesolutions.co.zw •
+263 (0) __ __ __ __ •
www.africatradesolutions.co.zw