The Tanzanian government has imposed a sweeping ban on foreigners engaging in a wide range of small-scale businesses, in a bid to protect local entrepreneurs and preserve economic opportunities for its citizens.
The new regulation, titled Business Licensing (Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens) Order, 2025, was officially published on July 28 under Government Notice No. 487A. It was signed by the Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr. Selemani Jafo.
The directive bars non-citizens from operating in 15 specified sectors, which the government deems critical to grassroots economic empowerment and local job creation. Authorities say the move is intended to preserve these activities for Tanzanian nationals and ensure sustainable income for small-scale operators.
Among the business areas now restricted to Tanzanians are the operation of salons, small retail shops, eateries, and mobile money kiosks. Foreigners are also prohibited from offering mobile phone repair services, working as tour guides, and providing domestic, office, or environmental cleaning services.
Additional prohibited sectors include small-scale mining, local parcel and postal delivery services, curio shops, museums, and ownership or operation of radio and television stations. Non-citizens are also barred from acting as brokers or agents in real estate and business transactions, engaging in clearing and forwarding services, buying crops directly from farms, running gambling operations outside licensed casinos, and managing or owning micro and small industries.
The government maintains that these businesses, traditionally dominated by Tanzanian citizens, must be shielded from external competition to bolster the country’s economic resilience and reduce unemployment.
The directive takes immediate effect, with government agencies expected to begin enforcement in the coming weeks.
