How to Register a Company in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya: A Regional Guide for Investors and Entrepreneurs

By ClintonOur Publications

Published by Clinton Consultancy

Setting up a company in West and East Africa can unlock a world of opportunity—but navigating the regulatory landscape requires precision, planning, and local legal insight. In this guide, we break down the key steps and legal requirements for company registration in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya, three of Africa’s top destinations for foreign direct investment and regional expansion.

 Company Registration in Ghana

Regulatory Authority: Registrar General’s Department (RGD)

Entity Types:

  • Sole Proprietorship

  • Partnership

  • Limited Liability Company (LLC)

  • External Company / Branch Office

Key Requirements:

  • At least one director (must be 18+ years old)

  • Company Secretary (can be an individual or firm)

  • Ghanaian-registered office address

  • Tax Identification Number (TIN) for each director/shareholder

  • Minimum capital (foreign-owned: $500,000 for trading, $1,000,000 for 100% ownership under GIPC)

Timeline: 2–3 weeks for full setup including TINs, incorporation certificate, bank account, and GIPC registration.

 Company Registration in Nigeria

Regulatory Authority: Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)

Entity Types:

  • Business Name

  • Private Company Limited by Shares

  • Public Company

  • Incorporated Trustees (NGOs)

  • Branch Office

Key Requirements:

  • Minimum of two shareholders

  • At least one director (must be 18+ years)

  • Local address in Nigeria

  • Payment of stamp duty to FIRS

  • Foreigners must obtain a Business Permit (Ministry of Interior) and register with NIPC

Timeline: 10–15 working days for CAC registration; longer if regulatory approvals or immigration filings are involved.

Company Registration in Kenya

Regulatory Authority: Business Registration Service (BRS)

Entity Types:

  • Sole Proprietorship

  • Private Limited Company

  • Public Limited Company

  • Branch Office

  • Limited Liability Partnership

Key Requirements:

  • At least one director

  • Local physical address

  • Company secretary (mandatory for companies with a paid-up capital above KES 5M)

  • Registration on eCitizen portal

  • PIN from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for each director

Timeline: 5–10 business days via eCitizen portal.

How Clinton Consultancy Assists Across Borders

Clinton Consultancy offers tailored legal, tax, and immigration advisory services for cross-border setups, including:

  • Entity structuring and documentation

  • GIPC / NIPC / KRA approvals

  • Nominee and secretarial services

  • Tax advisory and bank account opening

  • Compliance with foreign exchange and capital importation laws

We serve multinationals, SMEs, diaspora investors, and startups seeking seamless entry into Africa’s top markets.