The Tanzanian government has officially barred non-citizens from engaging in 15 specified business activities, in a move aimed at safeguarding opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
The new directive is contained in the Business Licensing (Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens) Order, 2025, issued under the Business Licensing Act (Cap. 101), and signed by Industry and Trade Minister Selemani Saidi Jafo. It took effect on July 25.
Under the new rules, foreign nationals found operating in any of the prohibited sectors face stiff penalties, including fines of at least approximately $3,900, (Sh504,000) imprisonment of up to six months, and revocation of their visa and residency permits.
The order also penalizes Tanzanian citizens who assist foreigners in conducting these restricted businesses, with fines of up to TZS 5 million or three months in jail.
Licensing authorities have been directed not to issue or renew business licenses for non-citizens engaging in the banned sectors.
However, foreigners already holding valid licenses in the restricted areas will be allowed to continue operations until their licenses expire.
Banned Business Activities for Non-Citizens:
- Sale of goods on a wholesale or retail basis (excluding supermarkets, specialty stores, and wholesale centers for local products)
- Mobile money transfers
- Mobile phone and electronics repair
- Hairdressing and salon businesses (except in hotels or for tourism)
- Home, office, and environmental cleaning services
- Small-scale mining
- Domestic postal and parcel delivery services
- Tour guiding within Tanzania
- Operation of radio and television stations
- Management of museums or curio shops
- Brokerage or agency services in business and real estate
- Clearing and forwarding services
- On-farm crop purchasing
- Ownership or operation of gambling machines (except within casinos)
- Ownership or operation of micro and small industries
The government says the move is intended to empower local entrepreneurs by ensuring that key segments of the economy remain in the hands of Tanzanians.
