Key takeaways: The CAC has 19 official business categories. The most commonly used are: Wholesale and Retail Trade (#7), Information and Communication (#10), Professional and Technical Activities (#13), and Other Service Activities (#18). Choose based on your primary business activity — it’s a classification, not a restriction.

What are the 19 CAC business categories?

1. Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing

Poultry farming, fish farming, crop cultivation, palm oil production, snail farming.

2. Mining and Quarrying

Stone quarrying, sand mining, solid mineral extraction.

3. Manufacturing

Food processing, furniture making, clothing production, soap manufacturing, sachet water, bakery, printing.

4. Electricity, Gas, Steam and Air Conditioning Supply

Solar panel installation, generator sales and servicing, gas distribution.

5. Water Supply, Sewerage, Waste Management

Water treatment, waste collection, recycling, borehole drilling.

6. Construction

Building construction, electrical installation, plumbing, painting, interior decoration.

7. Wholesale and Retail Trade

Supermarket, phone accessories, auto parts, online retail, electronics, boutique, importation.

8. Transportation and Storage

Logistics, dispatch/courier, ride-hailing, car rental, warehousing.

9. Accommodation and Food Service Activities

Hotel, restaurant, fast food, catering, bar and lounge.

10. Information and Communication

Software development, web design, social media management, digital marketing, content creation, IT consulting, graphic design, photography, videography.

11. Financial and Insurance Activities

Microfinance, insurance brokerage, financial advisory, POS business, fintech.

12. Real Estate Activities

Real estate agency, property management, land sales, facility management.

13. Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities

Law practice, accounting, architecture, engineering consulting, management consulting, advertising, HR consulting.

14. Administrative and Support Service Activities

Recruitment agency, security services, cleaning, travel agency, event planning, virtual assistant.

15. Education

School, tutorial center, online courses, vocational training, driving school, coaching.

Clinic, pharmacy, laboratory, physiotherapy, dental practice, counselling.

17. Arts, Entertainment and Recreation

Music production, film production, event management, gym/fitness, DJ services, talent management.

18. Other Service Activities

Barber shop, hair salon, beauty spa, laundry, tailoring.

19. Activities of Extraterritorial Organisations and Bodies

International organizations and diplomatic missions. Rarely used.

How do I choose the right CAC business category?

Identify your primary activity. What does the business actually do day-to-day?
Match it to a category. Find the closest fit above.
When in doubt, go broad. The category is a classification, not a restriction.
Don’t overthink it. Choosing “Wholesale and Retail Trade” doesn’t prevent you from also offering services.

When you register through Oya Legal, our AI assistant helps you choose the right category based on your business description.

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19 CAC Business Categories Explained (With Examples)