PACRA to Modernise Business Registration Following Insights from Saudi Arabia
The Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing reforms that simplify business entry in line with the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP) and related reform roadmaps.
Speaking at the Knowledge Exchange on Advancing Business Entry Reforms, held from 14 to 16 October 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, PACRA Registrar and CEO Mr Benson Mpalo emphasised the value of learning from Saudi Arabia’s experience in modernising business registration systems.
Mr Mpalo noted that discussions at the workshop highlighted the importance of integrated, digital, and transparent platforms for business registration and licensing.
“Saudi Arabia’s approach, including standardised platforms, centralised service delivery, and coordinated institutional frameworks, can simplify processes, enhance data sharing, and improve the overall experience for entrepreneurs,” he said.
He added that the lessons learned would inform Zambia’s ongoing reform efforts, ensuring that local entrepreneurs benefit from more efficient and accessible systems.
Mr Mpalo attended the workshop alongside Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA) Executive Director Ms Sharon Sichilongo and PACRA ICT Director Mr Kaseke Chinyemba.
The event was also graced by Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Commerce, Dr Eiman Al-Mutairi, and focused on exchanging knowledge on best practices in business registration.
The agency’s reform initiatives are expected to strengthen Zambia’s business environment, fostering entrepreneurship, transparency, and economic growth.
