How to Register an NGO in Botswana

Applicants should submit the letter of intent to register an NGO; attached to the supporting documentation as mentioned under the “Required Documents” section of this page, to the local Civil and National Registration office, where the society’s office is based for consideration, within fourteen (14) days from the date 

Apply In Person The application to register a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) shall be made to the Department of Civil and National Registration office, whose mandate is to register and certify societies; (non-profit making societies and non–governmental organizations) in Botswana. 

Step 1: Organize yourselves in a group of at least twenty (20) members to form a Non-Government Organization.

Step 2: Hold a meeting to Elect NGO officials and seek registration

  1. The three most important slots to be filled are the Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer.
  2. It’s important to have these positions occupied for accountability and organization purposes of the NGO.
  3. Roles under these titles should also be defined, written down, and put in a document (preferably the constitution) so that every official understands and agrees to the scope of their work.
  4. It is important that the office of secretary must know how to read and write.
  5. The minutes of the meeting seeking registration and showing elected officials are to be attached to the letter of intent to register an NGO.


Step 3: Submit the letter of intent to register an NGO, with the Department of Civil and National Registration Regional Offices.

  1. Applicants should submit the letter of intent to register an NGO; attached to the supporting documentation as mentioned under the “Required Documents” section of this page, to the local Civil and National Registration office, where the society’s office is based for consideration, within fourteen (14) days from the date of the meeting.
  2. Upon receipt of the application, the Registrar will check for discrepancies or ineligibility in the application documents. If a discrepancy that cannot be immediately corrected exists in any of the documents, the application and all the submitted documents will be returned to the applicant and should not be re-submitted until the discrepancy has been rectified and corrected.
  3. If the registrar is satisfied that all the requirements have been met for the application, he/she will send the following to the applicant(s) for completion:
    • Registration form for a society (Form-A) to be completed in triplicate.
    • Membership list.
    • Guidelines for forming the Society’s constitution.


Step 4: Draft the NGO’s constitution as per the guideline:

  1. A constitution is the NGO’s guide. Once this has been drafted and approved, every member should get a copy that they sign and commit to the terms and conditions.
  2. The constitution identifies the NGO’s mission, goals, and objectives.


Step 5: Make the application to Register the NGO, with the Department of Civil and National Registration Regional Offices.

  1. Applicant should submit the duly completed Registration Form for a society (Form-A) completed in triplicate; attached to the Membership list and three copies of the Society’s (NGO) constitution


Step 6: Payment of applicable fees

  1. Applicants will be required to pay a service fee of BWP 500.00 for associations and churches, and BWP250.00 for all other societies. These costs are non-refundable.
  2. The applicant will be issued with a payment receipt and an acknowledgment slip as proof of submission of the application, and for inquiry referencing if the need arises.


Step 7: Issue of the certificate

  1. After the successful screening of the submitted documents, the Registrar will issue a registration certificate, Form-A, and the constitution as approved by the society.
  2. Notice of the decision (Approval, Deferral, or Rejection) for the application will be communicated to the client in writing or by phone.
  3. While collecting the registration certificate, the applicant will be required to produce their identity document; approval letter/acknowledgment letter to be validated by the registrar’s office, where the application was lodged.

Required Documents

  • Letter of intent to form a society.
  • Minutes of the formation of the society with three or more objectives.
  • List of signatures and national identity numbers of attendees at the formation of society meeting.
  • Ten suggested names for the society in order of preference. The names should be reflective of the nature of the society whether it is an association, club, church, or society.
  • In the case of non-citizens serving on the executive committee, provide the following:
    • Certified copies of resident permit.
    • Certified work permit.
    • A certified copy of pages 1 and 2 of the passport, showing their picture and personal details should also be submitted.

Office Locations & Contacts

Department of Civil and National Registration
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration, and Gender Affairs
Block 8, Government Enclave, Khama Crescent
Private Bag 00240
Gaborone
Botswana
Tel. (+267)3611100/361115/3611132
Fax. (+267) 3907426
Email: mnig-pro@.gov.bw
Toll-Free Number. 0800 600 777

Botswana Council of Non-Government Organisations (BOCONGO)
Address: Plot No. 54513 Unit 5 Courtyard Village, Gaborone
Botswana
Private Bag 00418 Gaborone,
Botswana
Tel: +267 3911319
Fax: +267 3912935
Email: info@bocongo.org.bw

How do I start a nonprofit organization in Botswana?

You have three options. The first option is to form a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act of Botswana. The second option is to form a society under the Societies Act. The third option is to register a trust under the Trust Property Control Act.

What are the requirements to register an NGO?

Image result for How to register an ngo in Botswana

The first step of registering an NGO is ensuring you have the following documents,

  • A Trust Deed (a written agreement used by trusts) if the organization is a Trust. Read also.
  • A Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) if the organization is registered as an NPC.
  • A constitution if the organization is a Voluntary Association.

How can I start my own NGO?

Steps to easily start an NGO in India:

  1. Step 1: Decide the cause and mission of your NGO.
  2. Step 2: Set up the board of directors/members.
  3. Step 3: Decide the name of your NGO.
  4. Step 4: Memorandum Articles of incorporation/ Articles of Association.
  5. Step 5: Get your NGO registered.
  6. Step 6: Start collecting funds.

Do NGOs pay tax in Botswana?

It is imperative to note that for tax purposes, a person required to deduct the 5% tax includes any religious institution or NGO. Technically, this brings such organizations into the ambit of persons required to deduct the said withholding tax when making rental payments.