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Simplify business registration process, Brela told

THE Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA) has been urged to simplify its online business registration system (ORS) to attract more investors to the country.

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA) has been urged to simplify its online business registration system (ORS) to attract more investors to the country.

Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Exaud Kigahe made the call during the BRELA stakeholders’ forum held on Friday under the theme “Interoperability of Institutional Systems and Business Facilitation.” Mr Kigahe called for simplification of technology to ensure that BRELA services remain efficient and user-friendly.

“I urge BRELA to develop strategies that align with technological advancements to enhance the quality and effectiveness of your services,” Kigahe stated.

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He expressed hopes that the improvements will reduce the time required for registration and licensing, making processes quicker and more accessible for businesses.

According to Mr Kighae, the improvement of ORS will encourage formalisation, increase the number of investors and entrepreneurs and ultimately expand job opportunities and the tax base.

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The deputy minister also stressed the need for BRELA to adopt a more business-oriented approach to its services to avoid stagnation and enhance productivity.

“I am pleased with the substantial work you have done since BRELA’s beginning and I hope your services will become increasingly business-centric to boost company efficiency,” he remarked.

He underscored BRELA’s critical role in the nation’s economic development, noting that it is where new businesses are established. BRELA’s Chief Executive Officer, Godfrey Nyaisa acknowledged that the agency is currently working on reforming various outdated laws.

He pointed out that many of BRELA’s regulations have not been updated for decades. For instance, the Business Licensing Act dates back to 1967, while the Trademark Act was established in 1986.

“BRELA is revising these laws to align them with modern systems, technologies, operational standards and current business environments,” Nyaisa said.

He also mentioned ongoing efforts to develop a National Intellectual Property Policy in collaboration with stakeholders, aimed at expanding registration scopes and reinforcing new intellectual property protections.

In 2015, BRELA launched the Online Business Name Registration System (OBRS), followed by the implementation of the Online Registration System (ORS) on January 4, 2018.

This system provides comprehensive registration services, including those for companies, business names, trademarks, patents and industrial licenses. As BRELA continues to modernise its services, the agency remains committed to supporting Tanzania’s business landscape and economic growth.