Business Reforms in Sub-Saharan Africa

Angola

Angola made transferring property less costly by reducing transfer taxes.

Angola strengthened its credit information system by adopting new rules for credit bureaus and guaranteeing the right of borrowers to inspect their data.

Angola reduced the time for trading across borders by making investments in port infrastructure and administration.

The land registry was digitized and split into two units—each covering half the land in Luanda—accelerating procedures needed to transfer property.

Paying taxes was made easier by introducing mandatory electronic filing of social security for businesses with more than 20 employees.

Trade across borders was expedited with a customs improvement program that streamlined procedures and lowered trade times and costs.

The long and cumbersome process of starting a business was improved, thanks to its one-stop shop, the Guichet Unico da Empresa, reducing the time required by two months.

To ease the process of getting construction permits in Luanda, the provincial government is now in charge of organizing and distributing the documents relating to construction projects to the agencies involved in water and electricity inspections.

Benin

Benin made starting a business easier by replacing the requirement for a copy of the founders’ criminal records with one for a sworn declaration at the time of the company’s

Access to credit in Benin was improved through amendments to the OHADA (Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa) Uniform Act on Secured Transactions that broaden the range of assets that can be used as collateral (including future assets), extend the security interest to the proceeds of the original asset and introduce the possibility of out-of-court enforcement.

Benin created a new municipal commission to streamline construction permitting and set up an ad hoc commission to deal with the backlog in permit applications.

The corporate income tax rate was cut from 38 percent to 30 percent and the cost of employment was reduced by cutting the payroll tax from 8 percent to 4 percent.

Implementation of an electronic document system has improved the time needed to clear goods at customs.

Dealing with construction permits now takes 78 days longer than before, because of an administrative backlog in the municipality of Cotonou. New building regulations were passed in 2007 but are not yet in force.

The export process was sped up by two days by improving port infrastructure.

The cost of registering property was reduced by reducing the registration or transfer tax. These measures were in part motivated by the desire of these countries to pass the Millennium Challenge Corporation eligibility threshold.

Botswana

Business start-up was eased by making tax registration more efficient and streamlining the process for obtaining a business license.

Property registration was made more difficult by requiring that the tax agency be notified of valued added tax payments.

Introduction of case management and improved use of information technology has contributed to more efficient resolution of commercial disputes.

The business environment was improved by speeding the start-up process through computerization.

A new Company Act has come into force, requiring that shareholders approve related-party transactions and that directors repay damages and surrender profits if held liable.

Since January 2008, companies have been required to pay 0.2 percent of turnover for the training of workers.

A computerization effort, which included training customs officers in using an electronic data interchange system, sped the processing of trade documents and reduced the time to export by two days and the time to import by a day.

It is tougher for small and medium enterprises to operate. An amendment in the Insolvency Act, grants employees preferred creditor status ahead of secured creditors.

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso made starting a business easier by replacing the requirement for a copy of the founders’ criminal records with one for a sworn declaration at the time of the company’s registration.

Burkina Faso made dealing with construction permits less costly by reducing the fees to obtain a fire safety study.

Access to credit in Burkina Faso was improved through amendments to the OHADA Uniform Act on Secured Transactions that broaden the range of assets that can be used as collateral (including future assets), extend the security interest to the proceeds of the original asset and introduce the possibility of out-of-court enforcement.

Burkina Faso made dealing with construction permits easier by cutting the cost of the soil survey in half and the time to process a building permit application by a third.

Burkina Faso reduced the statutory tax rate and the number of taxes for business and introduced simpler, uniform compliance procedures.

Burkina Faso reduced documentation requirements for importers and exporters, making it easier to trade.

Burkina Faso made enforcing contracts easier by setting up a specialized commercial court and abolishing the fee to register judicial decisions.

Business start-up was eased by allowing publication to be done directly on the Web site of the one-stop shop, reducing the registration cost, and streamlining tax registration.

The process for construction permits was eased by establishing a one-stop shop in Ouagadougou.

Property registration was streamlined by allowing transfer taxes to be paid at the land registry. In addition, new regulations reorganized the land registry and set time limits for procedures. Property valuation by government officials after inspections was simplified by using tables of values for properties based on the materials used.

The creation of a one-stop shop for commercial trade documents has expedited trade across borders.

Contract enforcement was improved by lowering fees and introducing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Random inspections during construction were eliminated. Also a new one-stop shop for construction permits was introduced, which reduced approval fees and combined five separate payments into a single one.

Transferring property was made easier by eliminating the requirement for authorization from the municipality, merging two taxes at the Land Registry (Conservation Foncière), and reducing the transfer tax. The changes reduced time and cost of property transfer.

The corporate income tax rate was reduced from 35 percent to 30 percent (effective January 1, 2008), and the tax on dividends from 15 percent to 12.5 percent.

Through ministerial decree, Burkina Faso simplified notification and documentation requirements, reducing the time to register a company.

A decrease of the transfer and registration tax to 10% of property value reduced total cost to transfer while increasing the number of registrations.

Specialized commercial chambers in the general courts of Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso and reduced the judgment enforcement registration tax from 4% to 2%.

Burundi

Burundi made dealing with construction permits easier by reducing the cost to obtain a geotechnical study.

Burundi strengthened investor protections by introducing new requirements for the approval of transactions between interested parties, by requiring greater corporate disclosure to the board of directors and in the annual report and by making it easier to sue directors in cases of prejudicial transactions between interested parties.

Burundi made paying taxes easier for companies by reducing the payment frequency for social security contributions from monthly to quarterly.

Burundi amended its commercial code to establish foreclosure procedures.

Burundi made paying taxes simpler by replacing the transactions tax with a value added tax.

The cost of registering property was reduced by reducing the registration or transfer tax. These measures were in part motivated by the desire of these countries to pass the Millennium Challenge Corporation eligibility threshold.

Cameroon

Cameroon made starting a business easier by replacing the requirement for a copy of the founders’ criminal records with one for a sworn declaration at the time of the company’s registration, and by reducing publication fees.

Access to credit in Cameroon was improved through amendments to the OHADA Uniform Act on Secured Transactions that broaden the range of assets that can be used as collateral (including future assets), extend the security interest to the proceeds of the original asset and introduce the possibility of out-of-court enforcement.

Cameroon made starting a business easier by establishing a new one-stop shop and abolishing the requirement for verifying business premises and its corresponding fees.

The business license tax for new businesses was eliminated for their first two years.

Improvements at the Guichet Unique du Commerce Exterieur of Douala port, and implementation of a cargo GPS tracking system as well as scanners reduced the time to import and export, and improved the security of goods transiting within Cameroon.

Information from the regional public credit registry was made more easily accessible to banks through an online system. The system simplifies the reporting and retrieval of information and has led to significant growth in coverage.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde made registering property faster by implementing time limits for the notaries and the land registry.

Cape Verde improved its credit information system by introducing a new online platform and by starting to provide 5 years of historical data.

Cape Verde introduced qualification requirements for insolvency administrators and a shorter time frame for liquidation proceedings.

Cape Verde made start-up easier by eliminating the need for a municipal inspection before a business begins operations and computerizing the system for delivering the municipal license.

Cape Verde eased property registration by switching from fees based on a percentage of the property value to lower fixed rates.

Cape Verde abolished the stamp duties on sales and checks.

Business start-up was eased by implementing an online company registration system.

Access to credit information was improved by introducing online access for providers and retrievers of information. At the same time, the government raised the minimum threshold for loans included in the database from CVE 1,000 to CVE 5,000 for individuals.

The corporate income tax rate was cut from 30 percent to 25 percent. Business start-up was eased by implementing an online company registration system.

Central African Republic

The Central African Republic made starting a business easier by reducing business registration fees and by replacing the requirement for a copy of the founders’ criminal records with one for a sworn declaration at the time of the company’s registration.

The Central African Republic halved the cost of registering property.

Access to credit in the Central African Republic was improved through amendments to the OHADA Uniform Act on Secured Transactions that broaden the range of assets that can be used as collateral (including future assets), extend the security interest to the proceeds of the original asset and introduce the possibility of out-of-court enforcement.

Business start-up was simplified by establishing a one-stop shop that merged four procedures into one.

Information from the regional public credit registry was made more easily accessible to banks through an online system. The system simplifies the reporting and retrieval of information.

Chad

Chad made starting a business easier by eliminating the requirement for a medical certificate and by replacing the requirement for a copy of the founders’ criminal records with one for a sworn declaration at the time of the company’s registration.

Access to credit in Chad was improved through amendments to the OHADA Uniform Act on Secured Transactions that broaden the range of assets that can be used as collateral (including future assets), extend the security interest to the proceeds of the original asset and introduce the possibility of out-of-court enforcement.

Chad increased taxes on business through changes to its social security contribution rates.

Information from the regional public credit registry was made more easily accessible to banks through an online system. The system simplifies the reporting and retrieval of information.

Comoros

Access to credit in Comoros was improved through amendments to the OHADA Uniform Act on Secured Transactions that broaden the range of assets that can be used as collateral (including future assets), extend the security interest to the proceeds of the original asset and introduce the possibility of out-of-court enforcement.

Congo, Dem. Rep.

The Democratic Republic of Congo made business start-up faster by reducing the time required to complete company registration and obtain a national identification number.

The Democratic Republic of Congo reduced the administrative costs of obtaining a construction permit.

The Democratic Republic of Congo made paying taxes easier for firms by replacing the sales tax with a value added tax.

The Democratic Republic of Congo eased business start-up by eliminating procedures, including the company seal.

Dealing with construction permits became easier in the Democratic Republic of Congo thanks to a reduction in the cost of a building permit from 1% of the estimated construction cost to 0.6% and a time limit for issuing building permits.

The Democratic Republic of Congo reduced by half the property transfer tax to 3% of the property value.

The sales tax was raised from 13 percent to 15 percent.

Participation by private companies in terminal handling at the port of Matadi has improved services, reducing the time taken to handle cargo.

Four years after being created on paper, specialized commercial courts started operating in Gombe in August 2006 and in Kinshasa in November 2006. New court rules set strict deadlines, such as eight days, to appeal judgments.

Congo, Rep.

The Republic of Congo made registering property more expensive by reversing a previous law that reduced the registration fee.

Access to credit in the Republic of Congo was improved through amendments to the OHADA Uniform Act on Secured Transactions that broaden the range of assets that can be used as collateral (including future assets), extend the security interest to the proceeds of the original asset and introduce the possibility of out-of-court enforcement.

The Republic of Congo reduced its corporate income tax rate from 38% to 36% in 2010.

The cost and time required to register property was reduced. The registration fee was cut from 15 percent of the property value to 5 percent, and the use of private appraisers reduced the total time to register a property.

Modernization of the regional public credit registry of the Central African Monetary Union allowed banks to upload and retrieve information on borrowers online.

Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire made starting a business easier by reorganizing the court clerk’s office where entrepreneurs file their company documents.

Access to credit in Côte d’Ivoire was improved through amendments to the OHADA Uniform Act on Secured Transactions that broaden the range of assets that can be used as collateral (including future assets), extend the security interest to the proceeds of the original asset and introduce the possibility of out-of-court enforcement.

Côte d’Ivoire eliminated a tax on firms, the contribution for national reconstruction (contribution pour la reconstruction nationale).

Côte d’Ivoire eased construction permitting by eliminating the need to obtain a preliminary approval.

The corporate income tax rate was reduced from 27 percent to 25 percent effective January 27, 2008, and revised the criterion for defining a small and medium-size entity to a turnover of less than CFAF 1 billion only.

The tax burden on companies was reduced by simplifying the tax structure and decreasing rates.

Equatorial Guinea

Access to credit in Equatorial Guinea was improved through amendments to the OHADA Uniform Act on Secured Transactions that broaden the range of assets that can be used as collateral (including future assets), extend the security interest to the proceeds of the original asset and introduce the possibility of out-of-court enforcement.

Information from the regional public credit registry was made more easily accessible to banks through an online system. The system simplifies the reporting and retrieval of information.

Trading across borders became more difficult as the ‘conditional release’ facility, whereby a temporary export declaration could be issued and clearance completed pursuant to the submission of more complete documentation at a later date, was cancelled.

Eritrea

The infrastructure at Massawa port was upgraded as well as the roads between Massawa and the capital, Asmara, facilitating trade.

Ethiopia

In Ethiopia delays in providing new connections made getting electricity more difficult.

Ethiopia made trading easier by addressing internal bureaucratic inefficiencies.

Reforms at the company registry and the streamlining of procedures have made it easier to start a business.

The government has simplified property transfers by decentralizing administrative tasks to sub-cities and merging procedures performed by the land registry and municipalities.

Court delays were reduced through a combination of better case management and internal training, as well as an expanded role for enforcement judges.

Gabon

Access to credit in Gabon was improved through amendments to the OHADA Uniform Act on Secured Transactions that broaden the range of assets that can be used as collateral (including future assets), extend the security interest to the proceeds of the original asset and introduce the possibility of out-of-court enforcement.

Information from the regional public credit registry was made more easily accessible to banks through an online system.

Trade was made more burdensome by the introduction of an additional document to import and export.

Gambia

The Gambia reduced the minimum turnover tax and corporate income tax rates.

The Gambia made trading across borders faster by implementing the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA).

The Gambia made getting electricity faster by allowing customers to choose private contractors to carry out the external connection works.

The compulsory scanning requirement for all containers was abandoned and a random inspection process was introduced that reduced delays linked with customs inspection.

Ghana

Ghana increased the cost to start a business by 70%.

Ghana enhanced access to credit by establishing a centralized collateral registry and by granting an operating license to a private credit bureau that began operations in April 2010.

Business start-up was simplified by further streamlining registration procedures through the creation of a customer service desk at the one-stop shop.

The requirements to register employment vacancies and to obtain a company seal were abolished, reducing the number of procedures to start a business.

The ongoing computerization at the company registry and improved operations at the Environmental Protection Agency reduced business registration time.

A ministerial directive eliminating the requirement to go through the Lands Commission reduced property registration time.

The new Insolvency Law protect secured creditors' proceedings against automatic stay in case or reorganization.

Operational changes at the Port Authority permitted to reduce importation time.

Six commercial courts are now operational in Accra, significantly reducing the average turn-around of cases thanks to mandatory arbitration and mediation and thanks to new High Court Civil Procedure Rules.

Guinea

Access to credit in Guinea was improved through amendments to the OHADA Uniform Act on Secured Transactions that broaden the range of assets that can be used as collateral (including future assets), extend the security interest to the proceeds of the original asset and introduce the possibility of out-of-court enforcement.

Guinea increased the cost of obtaining a building permit.

Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau made starting a business easier by establishing a one-stop shop, eliminating the requirement for an operating license and simplifying the method for providing criminal records and publishing the registration notice.

Access to credit in Guinea-Bissau was improved through amendments to the OHADA Uniform Act on Secured Transactions that broaden the range of assets that can be used as collateral (including future assets), extend the security interest to the proceeds of the original asset and introduce the possibility of out-of-court enforcement.

Guinea-Bissau established a specialized commercial court, speeding up the enforcement of contracts.

Business start-up was simplified by making company name searches electronic, introducing computers and flash drives, and lowering registration fees.

The cost of registering property was decreased by reducing the registration or transfer tax. These measures were in part motivated by the desire of these countries to pass the Millennium Challenge Corporation eligibility threshold.

Kenya

Kenya introduced a case management system that will help increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of commercial dispute resolution.

Kenya eased business start-up by reducing the time it takes to get the memorandum and articles of association stamped, merging the tax and value added tax registration procedures and digitizing records at the registrar.

Kenya increased the administrative burden of paying taxes by requiring quarterly filing of payroll taxes.

Kenya speeded up trade by implementing an electronic cargo tracking system and linking this system to the Kenya Revenue Authority’s electronic data interchange system for customs clearance.

The cost of getting construction permits was increased.

Access to credit was improved by implementing a law on credit bureaus that will provide a framework for a regulated, reliable system of sharing credit information.

The time required to open a business was reduced, thanks to improvements in communication between agencies and the upgrading of the registry.

Major trade reforms were implemented, reducing the overall time to import. The opening hours of customs and port authorities were extended, and the number of inspection points between Nairobi and Mombasa port reduced. Kenya also introduced an electronic system allowing traders to submit their documents online.

An ambitious licensing reform program was launched which has led to the elimination of 110 business licenses and the simplification of eight, reducing the time and cost of obtaining building licenses and registering a company.

An ambitious licensing reform program was launched which has led to the elimination of 110 business licenses and the simplification of eight, reducing the time and cost of obtaining building licenses and registering a company. At the end of the program, more than 600 of the 1300 licenses will be simplified or eliminated.

The introduction of competition among land valuers (allowing private practitioners) led to a faster turnaround of one week instead of one month for a land valuation.

The private credit bureau also deepened its database coverage by adding retailers and utility companies as providers of information.

Lesotho

Lesotho made enforcing contracts easier by launching a specialized commercial court.

A one-stop shop for business registration was introduced, consolidating and simplifying processes and improving efficiency.

Property registration was made easier for women by allowing married women to transfer land without their husband's signature.

The tax burden on companies was reduced by simplifying the tax structure and decreasing rates.

Liberia

Liberia made starting a business easier by introducing a one-stop shop.

Liberia strengthened its legal framework for secured transactions by adopting a new commercial code that broadens the range of assets that can be used as collateral (including future assets) and extends the security interest to the proceeds of the original asset.

Liberia made trading across borders faster by implementing online submission of customs forms and enhancing risk-based inspections.

Business start-up was eased by removing the need to obtain an environmental impact assessment when forming a general trading company.

The process for getting construction permits was eased by lowering the permit fee and cost of obtaining a power generator, abolishing the requirement to obtain a tax waiver certificate before submitting documents to obtain a building permit, and making fixed telephone connections more readily available for public use with the reopening of the national phone company.

The trade process was expedited by creating a one-stop shop bringing together various ministries and agencies, and streamlining the inspection regime.

Starting a business was made faster and easier through simpler registration processes, time limits, and business licensing reforms.

The time required to obtain a construction permit was reduced by introducing a 30-day statutory time limit and eliminating the requirement for a signature by the minister of public works on small to medium-size construction projects. Liberia also cut building permit fees in half.

Access to credit was eased by establishing a database with credit information on borrowers at the Central Bank of Liberia. The database focuses primarily on delinquent borrowers, helping to improve the risk management tools of financial institutions.

Trade was reformed by reducing fees for customs clearance and port and terminal handling.

Madagascar

Madagascar eased the process of starting a business by eliminating the minimum capital requirement, but also made it more difficult by introducing the requirement of obtaining a tax identification number.

Madagascar improved its credit information system by eliminating the minimum threshold for loans included in the database and making it mandatory for banks to share credit information with the credit bureau.

Madagascar continued to reduce corporate tax rates.

Madagascar improved communication and coordination between customs and the terminal port operators through its single-window system (GASYNET), reducing both the time and the cost to export and import.

Business start-up was simplified by streamlining procedures at the one-stop shop and eliminating the stamp duty and minimum capital requirement.

Transferring a property was made more costly by making use of a notary mandatory for property transactions.

The start-up burden was eased by abolishing the professional tax and facilitating publication.

The operation of the land registry was improved through development of its human and technical capacity. This reduced the total time required to register property by two months. It also abolished the stamp duty, among other taxes, which helped reduce the total cost to register property.

The corporate income tax was reduced to 25 percent.

The country sped trade by implementing an electronic data interchange system, a single window which interfaces with the existing customs system, the port, the private container terminal operator, the commercial banks, the Central Bank, and the Treasury, risk-based inspections, and port improvements. These changes cut the time to import by close to three weeks and the time to export by five days.

Business registration was reduced to just eight days, streamlining operations at the one stop shop (GUIDE). Five procedures were eliminated.

Port authorities implemented an electronic data interchange system and privatized port terminal handling, injecting much needed capital and operational expertise. These changes and a streamlining of documentation requirements helped increase productivity and reduce the export time.

Malawi

Malawi made property registration slower by no longer sustaining last year’s time improvement in Compliance Certificate processing times at the Ministry of Lands.

Malawi improved its credit information system by passing a new law allowing the creation of a private credit bureau.

Malawi adopted new rules providing clear procedural requirements and time frames for winding up a company.

Malawi eased property transfers by cutting the wait for consents and registration of legal instruments by half.

Malawi simplified the enforcement of contracts by raising the ceiling for commercial claims that can be brought to the magistrates court.

Implementation of a risk-based inspection regime and a post-destination clearance program for preapproved traders has shortened the time for clearing goods.

A law was introduced limiting liquidator fees during insolvency procedures.

The commercial division of the Blantyre high court started hearing cases as of May 2007. Two judges, specializing in commercial cases, have been appointed.

Mali

Mali made starting a business easier by adding to the services provided by the one-stop shop.

Access to credit in Mali was improved through amendments to the OHADA Uniform Act on Secured Transactions that broaden the range of assets that can be used as collateral (including future assets), extend the security interest to the proceeds of the original asset and introduce the possibility of out-of-court enforcement.

Mali eased construction permitting by implementing a simplified environmental impact assessment for noncomplex commercial buildings.

Mali eased property transfers by reducing the property transfer tax for firms from 15% of the property value to 7%.

Mali eliminated redundant inspections of imported goods, reducing the time for trading across borders.

Business start-up was simplified by creating a new one-stop shop, making it possible to register a company with the registrar and tax agency, apply for online publication, and obtain a national identification number.

The time for delivering water connections was shortened by 30 days.

Investor protections were strengthened with an amendment to the civil procedures code that increased shareholder access to corporate information during trial.

Implementation of an electronic data interchange (EDI) system, improvements in the terminals used by Malian traders, and streamlining of required documentation have reduced trade times.

Amendments to the civil procedures code improved contract enforcement by introducing case time limits and allowing summons to be served upon filing without a judge’s intervention.

Trade was sped up by implementing an electronic data interchange system and risk-based inspections and improving border cooperation.

The business startup process was reformed -- a single company identification number reduced the registration time.

The time to register a property was reduced by decentralizing and reorganizing registries' operations and reassigning staff.

Mauritania

Mauritania made dealing with construction permits easier by opening a one-stop shop.

Business registration requirements were simplified, reducing the time, cost, and procedures for start-up.

The first building code was introduced. This simplifies the requirements for small construction projects and lays the groundwork for a one-stop shop for construction permits.

The cost of starting a business was cut, making it one of the two cheapest places to register a business in Africa (the other being Tanzania).

Separate commercial courts have replaced the commercial chambers in the general courts. 105 new judges were hired and judges' salaries increased.

Mauritius

Mauritius introduced a new corporate social responsibility tax.

Mauritius speeded up the resolution of commercial disputes by recruiting more judges and adding more courtrooms.

Property registration was made easier by setting a limit of 15 days to obtain final property titles from the land registry.

access to credit information was strengthened by allowing the licensing of private credit information bureaus and expanding the bureaus’ coverage to all credit facilities.

The introduction of electronic submissions of customs declarations and bills of lading has expedited trade.

A specialized commercial division of the supreme court was created, improving contract enforcement.

new insolvency law introduced a rehabilitation procedure for companies as an alternative to winding up and defines the rights and obligations of creditors and debtors—as well as sanctions for those who abuse the system.

Start-up is also easier: name verification for a new company is now done online.

The transfer of property was simplified by abolishing two procedures. It is no longer necessary to obtain a clearance certificate from the Waste Water Authority or a tax clearance certificate for municipal taxes.

Getting credit may be easier: after eliminating the minimum threshold for loan amounts, the public credit registry of the Central Bank of Mauritius now captures information on all credits extended by the financial system.

A centralized database links the company registry with tax, social security, and local authorities. Business registration takes place in one week.

Issuance of a unique Building and Land Use Permit was simplified: instead of two separate permits, introducing statutory time limits and recalculating the cost formula.

The government reduced the property registration fee to 5% of property value.

A three year program will harmonize the tax system, ultimately creating a single corporate tax rate and eliminate all tax credits and tax holidays except for newly registered companies.

A new risk management system has been implemented, accelerating the custom clearance process for regular law abiding importers.

The new Borrower Protection Act will allow for a faster sale of immovable assets, significantly reducing the time it takes creditors to recover their debt.

Mozambique

Mozambique made getting electricity more difficult by requiring authorization of a connection project by the Ministry of Energy and by adding an inspection of the completed external works.

Mozambique eased business start-up by introducing a simplified licensing process.

Business start-up by eliminating requirements for minimum capital and bank deposits.

Administrative improvements in customs have helped reduce the time required to clear traded goods.

The introduction of an electronic tax form made social security taxes easier to pay. In addition, a new corporate income tax code expanded the simplified scheme to companies with revenues up to 2.5 million new Mozambique metical.

With more judges receiving continual formal training, stricter performance management measures, and greater administrative support, Mozambique expects to see improvements in the judicial system leading to speedier contract enforcement.

Namibia

Namibia made transferring property more expensive for companies.

Namibia adopted a new company law that established clear procedures for liquidation.

The time required for business start-up was reduced by a month by reengineering the company registry and introducing a new information technology system.

Niger

Access to credit in Niger was improved through amendments to the OHADA Uniform Act on Secured Transactions that broaden the range of assets that can be used as collateral (including future assets), extend the security interest to the proceeds of the original asset and introduce the possibility of out-of-court enforcement.

Niger reduced its corporate income tax rate.

Business start-up was simplified by eliminating the procedures for registering with the Centre National des Utilisateurs du Transport and the Chamber of Commerce.

The business startup process was reformed, reducing the cost of the process to 175% of GNI.

The registration tax was reduced from 10% to 5% property value with the Loi des Finances 2007. The time needed to register at the Direction des Domaines had decreased significantly due to reforms set out by a working group, such as reorganization and reassignment of staff, simplification of title recordation, and provisions in the Loi des Finances 2006.

Nigeria

The central bank issued a guideline in October 2008 defining the licensing, operational, and regulatory requirements for a private credit bureau.

Upgrades to the facilities at Apapa port in Lagos sped the import and export process.

An electronic company name search was introduced, which made the company registry more efficient.

Operation 30/30 increased the speed of The Lagos State Physical Planning and Development Authority, reducing the time it takes to obtain a construction permit.

Rwanda

Rwanda made starting a business easier by reducing the business registration fees.

Rwanda made transferring property more expensive by enforcing the checking of the capital gains tax.

In Rwanda the private credit bureau started to collect and distribute information from utility companies and also started to distribute more than 2 years of historical information, improving the credit information system.

Rwanda reduced the frequency of value added tax filings by companies from monthly to quarterly.

Rwanda made dealing with construction permits easier by passing new building regulations at the end of April 2010 and implementing new time limits for the issuance of various permits.

Rwanda enhanced access to credit by allowing borrowers the right to inspect their own credit report and mandating that loans of all sizes be reported to the central bank’s public credit registry.

Rwanda reduced the number of trade documents required and enhanced its joint border management procedures with Uganda and other neighbors, leading to an improvement in the trade logistics environment.

Business start-up was eased by eliminating a notarization requirement; introducing standardized memorandums of association; enabling online publication; consolidating name checking, registration fee payment, tax registration, and company registration procedures; and shortening the time required to process completed applications.

Property registration was simplified by decreasing the number of days required to transfer a property.

Getting credit was made easier with a new secured transactions act and insolvency act to make secured lending more flexible, allowing a wider range of assets to be used as collateral and a general description of debts and obligations. In addition, out of court enforcement of collateral has become available to secured creditors, who also now have top priority within bankruptcy.

A new company law has strengthened investor protections by requiring greater corporate disclosure, director liability, and shareholder access to information.

By implementing administrative changes—such as increased operating hours and enhanced cooperation at the border, along with the removal of some documentation requirements for importers and exporters—Rwanda has improved trading times.

The process for dealing with distressed companies was improved with a new law aimed at streamlining reorganization.

Construction permitting was streamlined for the second year in a row by combining the applications for location clearance and a building permit in a single form and introducing a single application form for water, sewerage, and electricity connections. This reduced both the number of procedures and the time required for dealing with construction permits.

The time and cost to register a property also fell. A new fixed registration fee was introduced, and centralization of the tax service reduced the time to obtain a certificate of good standing.

Trade was facilitated by extending the opening hours of the customs border offices, implementing an electronic data interchange system, and introducing risk-based inspections. Together with growth in the transport sector, this reduced the time to import and export.

Commercial courts began operating in three locations, in Kigali and in the Northern and Southern Provinces, making it easier to enforce contracts.

Decentralization of the administrative system, which divided Kigali into three districts, and the privatization of water and electricity company Electrogaz, have reduced building permit and utilities connection time.

The cost of port and terminal handling was reduced by liberalizing the warehouse services sector. The increased competition led to a radical change in the way cost is calculated, effectively reducing it by 40%. Customs declaration points have also been increased to accelerate the process.

São Tomé and Principe

São Tomé and Príncipe made starting a business easier by establishing a one-stop shop, eliminating the requirement for an operating license for general commercial companies and simplifying publication requirements.

São Tomé and Príncipe made dealing with construction permits easier by reducing the time required to process building permit applications.

São Tomé and Príncipe made registering property less costly by lowering property transfer taxes.

São Tomé and Príncipe made trading across borders faster by adopting legislative, administrative and technological improvements.

São Tomé and Principe made starting a business more difficult by introducing a minimum capital requirement for limited liability companies.

São Tomé and Principe reduced the corporate income tax rate to a standard 25%.

Senegal

Senegal made starting a business easier by replacing the requirement for a copy of the founders’ criminal records with one for a sworn declaration at the time of the company’s registration.

Access to credit in Senegal was improved through amendments to the OHADA Uniform Act on Secured Transactions that broaden the range of assets that can be used as collateral (including future assets), extend the security interest to the proceeds of the original asset and introduce the possibility of out-of-court enforcement.

Senegal made trading across borders less costly by opening the market for transport, which increased competition.

Senegal made enforcing contracts easier by launching specialized commercial chambers in the court.

Processes at the container terminal were improved, shortening the time required to move containers from the port of Dakar. Trade has also been facilitated by improvements to the computerized customs system (GAINDE) and the expansion of the number of agencies included in the network.

The one-stop shop for business start-up became fully operational, merging more than half the procedures and speeding the process as a result.

New time limits at the Land Registry and the Directorate of Taxes and Property sped property registration.

The top reformer globally in easing trade, Senegal introduced a single window for customs clearance, cutting document requirements in half. It also set up an electronic data interchange system, implemented risk-based inspections, extended the operating hours of customs, and improved port and road infrastructure.

Seychelles

The Seychelles made paying taxes less costly for firms by eliminating the social security tax.

The Seychelles made trading across borders faster by introducing electronic submission of customs documents.

The Seychelles expanded the jurisdiction of the lower court, increasing the time required to enforce contracts.

The Seychelles removed the tax-free threshold limit and lowered corporate income tax rates.

The tax burden on companies was reduced by simplifying the tax structure and decreasing rates.

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone improved its credit information system by enacting a new law providing for the creation of a public credit registry.

Sierra Leone made trading across borders faster by implementing the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA).

Sierra Leone made enforcing contracts easier by launching a fast-track commercial court.

Sierra Leone established a fast-track commercial court in an effort to expedite commercial cases, including insolvency proceedings.

Sierra Leone made dealing with construction permits easier by streamlining the issuance of location clearances and building permits.

Sierra Leone lifted a moratorium on sales of privately owned properties.

Sierra Leone replaced sales and service taxes with a goods and service tax.

Business start-up has been eased with the establishment of a one-stop shop for business registration.

Reinstatement of a moratorium on the authorization of property transfers has delayed property transfers.

A new act makes it easier for companies to get credit by providing for the use of fixed and floating charges over company assets.

Investor protections have been strengthened under a new company law that enhanced director liability and improved disclosure requirements.

It has become easier to pay taxes because of better training and equipment at the tax authority, a consolidated income tax act, and a new value added tax that replaces four sales taxes.

Despite successful efforts to reduce the time to trade in Sierra Leone, some fees were increased, making trading across borders more costly.

The insolvency process was eased with a new company act that provides provisions for reorganization and administration that are encouraging ailing businesses to first try to reorganize instead of going straight to liquidation.

Sierra Leone drastically cut cost and sped the process of starting a business by making the use of a lawyer optional and abolishing other registration formalities, including requirements to pay taxes up front and obtain permission for registration from the exchange control.

The organization of the building approval process was improved and phased inspections were reinstated, cutting procedures for obtaining a construction permit.

Property registration was sped up by lifting a ban it had previously imposed requiring the director of survey to authenticate the cadastral map before each transfer.

Trade was facilitated by eliminating the requirement for an export license.

The tax burden on companies was reduced by simplifying the tax structure and decreasing rates.

South Africa

South Africa made starting a business easier by implementing its new company law, which eliminated the requirement to reserve a company name and simplified the incorporation documents.

South Africa made transferring property less costly and more efficient by reducing the transfer duty and introducing electronic filing.

South Africa introduced a new reorganization process to facilitate the rehabilitation of financially distressed companies.

The tax burden was eased on businesses by abolishing the stamp duty.

Entrepreneurs starting a business no longer have to obtain legal assistance or have their incorporation documents notarized, thanks to amendments to the Corporate Act. These amendments also allow electronic submission of documents and publication, easing business start-up.

The government reduced the tax burden by eliminating the regional establishment levy and regional services levy.

Lenders are now required to check their overall debt levels before granting loans and guarantees borrowers the right to access and challenge their credit records.

Two taxes were eliminated in 2006 -- the regional services levy and the regional establishment levy.

Sudan

The corporate income tax rate was reduced by an average of 15 percentage points and the capital gains tax by 5 percentage points, while the tax on labor has been abolished.

Trade has been expedited with improved customs clearance and the electronic connection of 10 customs offices—enabling traders to file declarations remotely—and the addition of two scanners at the port of Sudan.

Swaziland

Swaziland made transferring property quicker by streamlining the process at the land registry.

Swaziland strengthened investor protections by requiring greater corporate disclosure, higher standards of accountability for company directors and greater access to corporate information for minority investors.

Swaziland reduced the time to import by implementing an electronic data interchange system for customs at its border posts.

Tanzania

Tanzania made trading across borders faster by implementing the Pre-Arrival Declaration (PAD) system and electronic submission of customs declaration.

Additional procedures and costs made obtaining construction permits more difficult.

The cost of starting a business was cut, making it one of the two of the cheapest places to register a business in Africa.

Togo

Access to credit in Togo was improved through amendments to the OHADA Uniform Act on Secured Transactions that broaden the range of assets that can be used as collateral (including future assets), extend the security interest to the proceeds of the original asset and introduce the possibility of out-of-court enforcement.

Togo reduced its corporate income tax rate.

Business start-up was eased by setting up a one-stop shop that eliminated six procedures and lowered costs by almost a fifth.

The corporate income tax rate was cut from 37 percent to 30 percent.

Uganda

Uganda introduced changes that added time to the process of obtaining a business license, slowing business start-up. But it simplified registration for a tax identification number and for value added tax by introducing an online system.

Uganda increased the efficiency of property transfers by establishing performance standards and recruiting more officials at the land office.

Uganda made it more difficult to start a business by increasing the trade licensing fees.

Uganda enhanced access to credit by establishing a new private credit bureau.

Uganda continues to improve the efficiency of its court system, greatly reducing the time to file and serve a claim.

Trading times were sped up through better customs processes, increased operating hours at the port of Mombasa, and improved cooperation at the border.

Zambia

Zambia made registering property more costly by increasing the property transfer tax rate.

Zambia eased business start-up by eliminating the minimum capital requirement.

Zambia eased trade by implementing a one-stop border post with Zimbabwe, launching web-based submission of customs declarations and introducing scanning machines at border posts.

Zambia improved contract enforcement by introducing an electronic case management system in the courts that provides electronic referencing of cases, a database of laws, real-time court reporting and public access to court records.

Access to credit information was improved by making it mandatory for banks and nonbank financial institutions registered with the Bank of Zambia to use credit reference reports and provide data to the credit bureau.

The one-stop shop was reorganized through process reengineering and computerization and the operation of the Zambia Revenue Authority was improved by creating a customer service center.

Improvements at the Land Registry office cut the time to register property by almost half.

Amendments were made to the Income Tax Act and Value Added Tax Act to update, strengthen, and remove ambiguities in these laws and enhance the effectiveness of tax administration. In addition, the withholding tax on savings and deposit accounts was reduced from 25 percent to 15 percent.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe eased business start-up by reducing registration fees and speeding up the name search process and company and tax registration.

Zimbabwe reduced the corporate income tax rate from 30% to 25%, lowered the capital gains tax from 20% to 5% and simplified the payment of corporate income tax by allowing quarterly payment through commercial banks.

The cost of transferring a property was lowered by 15 percent of the value of the property.

A severe administrative backlog has substantially increased the cost of procedures relating to construction permits and led to delays for approvals.

Hyperinflation and the government's critical need for revenues have led to an increase in prices and tax rates.