Malawi’s Registrar General Department Rebrands as Independent Companies and Intellectual Property Agency

By Dean Chisambo…….

The Department of the Registrar General has officially transformed into the Companies and Intellectual Property Centre (CRIPC), an autonomous government agency tasked with overseeing company registration, intellectual property administration, and other key registry services.

Minister of Justice Charles Mhango announced the development during the launch of CRIPC in Lilongwe on Wednesday, saying the transition took effect on May 28, 2026.

Mhango explained that the institution has migrated from the Ministry of Justice and will now operate independently with its own board of directors, governance structures, management, and staff.

“CRIPC is now a fully-fledged government agency that will carry out its mandate independently while maintaining high standards of service delivery,” said Mhango.

The new agency will assume all functions previously performed by the Department of the Registrar General, including the registration of births, deaths, estates, deeds, businesses, companies, stamp duty, and estate duty.

According to Mhango, these services, which were previously administered under various legal instruments, have now been consolidated under CRIPC through the Intellectual Property Act of 2025, which is expected to come into force soon.

The minister challenged staff to embrace the new status by demonstrating professionalism, efficiency, and accountability.

“The expectations are now higher. Staff must be efficient, effective, and punctual in delivering services to the public,” he said.

Registrar General Chikumbutso Namelo said the establishment of CRIPC marks a new era in public service delivery and business administration in Malawi.

“The public should expect greater efficiency and excellence in the way we deliver services. We are also committed to supporting entrepreneurs through improved business registration services and encouraging the formalisation of businesses,” said Namelo.

He added that the agency will place strong emphasis on promoting intellectual property rights for innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs.

“As an institution, we are committed to promoting intellectual property for the creative sector, innovators, and wealth creation in Malawi,” he said.

Mhango further revealed that CRIPC’s online registration platform, launched in 2022, remains operational and continues to be upgraded, enabling Malawians to register businesses without physically visiting government offices.

The launch ceremony was attended by several senior government officials, including Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Justin Saidi, Minister of Information Shadreck Namalomba, Minister of Energy Jean Mathanga, and Attorney General Frank Mbeta.