Business name Senegal: the mistake we see every month
Diaspora founder from Brussels, March 2026. He had everything ready: business plan, share capital, leased premises in Mermoz. He wanted to name his SARL 'Téranga Tech Solutions'. He paid APIX, waited 7 days, got rejected: the name was already registered by a dormant SUARL since 2019 but never struck off. Three weeks lost, 75,000 FCFA of notary fees to redo.
This scenario, we avoid at Kolonell in 90 minutes of upfront checks. Here is the 2026 method, updated for digitalised RCCM databases and new OAPI rules.
Why a rejected name costs you
In Senegal, the business name (or company denomination for a corporation) must be unique in the RCCM database of the Dakar Commercial Court. If your name is too similar to an existing entry — even slightly different spelling — APIX can reject it.
Concrete consequences of a rejection:
- 7 lost waiting days (average APIX delay in 2026)
- 50,000 to 150,000 FCFA of notary fees to redo (articles need redrafting)
- Business cards order to throw away if you moved too fast
- A domain name bought for nothing
And worst case: if you discover the conflict after registration, you face a trademark dispute risk that can cost 2 to 10 million FCFA in proceedings.
The 4 mandatory databases to check
1. RCCM Dakar Commercial Court database
This is the official Senegalese company register. Since 2024, it is partially searchable online via the APIX portal, and fully on-site at the Court. Cost of an anteriority search: 5,000 to 10,000 FCFA. Turnaround: 24 to 72 hours.
Tip: also request struck-off companies from the past 5 years. A name can be 'free' but still protected by a former owner who could contest it.
2. OAPI trademark database
The African Intellectual Property Organisation manages trademarks across 17 French-speaking African countries, including Senegal. A trademark filed at OAPI blocks you even if RCCM is empty. Search on the OAPI website: free, but similarity analysis requires an industrial property advisor (50,000 to 200,000 FCFA).
3. Domain names
Check .sn (NIC Senegal), .com, .net and major .africa extensions. A domain already taken by a foreign namesake does not prevent registration but can kill your SEO and create customer confusion.
4. Social networks
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn: if your name is already used by an active player in a close sector, you risk reporting and handle loss. Check and reserve handles even before registration.
Upfront verification cost table 2026
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| Check | FCFA cost | Delay | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCCM anteriority search | 5,000 - 10,000 | 24-72h | Yes |
| OAPI trademark search | Free / 50,000-200,000 with advisor | 1-5 days | Yes if sensitive sector |
| Domain names (.sn, .com) | 10,000 - 25,000 / year | Instant | Yes |
| Social media handles | 0 | Instant | Recommended |
| Notary (verify + articles) | 150,000 - 450,000 | 3-7 days | Yes (next step) |
Our Kolonell check-list
Before we send a client to APIX, we tick:
- 3 candidate names ranked by preference (never just one)
- RCCM search done for all 3
- OAPI search done for all 3 if the brand is built to last
- .sn and .com domains available for all 3
- Instagram and LinkedIn handles free or reserved
- Phonetic validation (no awkward meaning in Wolof or English)
This last point killed 'Bantu Cash' for a Guinean client in 2025: phonetically fine in French, but disastrous for an English-speaking market.
Free Kolonell resources
On kolonell.com, the generateur-nom tool suggests original combinations for your sector, and our team checks RCCM availability for the 3 finalists for free, as part of any registration mandate we handle.
For a complete SARL or SUARL project, the all-inclusive Kolonell rate (checks + notary + APIX + first website) starts at 450,000 FCFA. No surprise, no back and forth, delivered in 10 business days.
FAQ
How long does it take to check a business name in Senegal?
Count 24 to 72 hours for the official RCCM search, and 1 to 5 days for OAPI. With support, the whole process wraps in 5 business days.
Can I reserve a name before registering my company?
Not formally in Senegal. 'Reservation' happens de facto when you file the APIX dossier. That is why you must have a complete file ready the day your name is validated, to prevent someone from filing in between.
Does a business name protect my trademark?
No. The business name only protects the company denomination. To protect a logo or product name, you must file a trademark at OAPI (about 600,000 FCFA for 3 classes, valid 10 years).
What if my name is rejected by APIX?
APIX notifies you the reason. You submit a new name (same checks) and re-file. Notary fees redone if the articles mention the old name, unless your notary anticipated a variant clause.
Let's talk? WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33 or 15-minute brief on /en/free-quote.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
