Tanzania bans non-citizens from 15 key business activities to boost local participation
Under the order, licensing authorities are prohibited from issuing or renewing business licences for non-citizens wishing to operate in any of the listed sectors.
The Tanzanian government has issued a ban preventing non-citizens from engaging in 15 specific business activities, in a bid to protect local economic interests and increase citizen participation in critical sectors.
The directive is outlined in a gazette notice dated July 28, 2025, and published under Government Notice No. 487A.
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It comes through the Business Licensing (Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens) Order, 2025, issued by Industry and Trade Minister Selemani Saidi Jafo under Section 14A(2) of the Business Licensing Act (Cap. 101).
“This Order may be cited as the Business Licensing (Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens) Order, 2025,” the document states, adding that it takes effect immediately upon publication.
Under the order, licensing authorities are prohibited from issuing or renewing business licences for non-citizens wishing to operate in any of the listed sectors.
It defines a “non-citizen” according to the Tanzania Citizenship Act (Cap. 357), and clarifies that any foreign national found operating in these prohibited areas will be committing an offence.
Affected sectors
The affected sectors include wholesale and retail trade (excluding supermarkets), specialised product shops, and wholesale centres for local producers. Also banned are mobile money transfers, phone and electronics repair services, and salons not affiliated with hotels or tourism businesses.
Additional prohibited activities include home and office cleaning services, small-scale mining, domestic parcel and postal delivery, tour guiding, and the operation of museums and curio shops.
Non-citizens are also barred from owning or running radio and television stations, offering brokerage or agency services in real estate and business, providing clearing and forwarding services, engaging in on-farm crop purchasing, or operating gambling machines outside licensed casino premises.
Ownership and operation of micro and small industries is likewise restricted.
Penalty
According to the order, any non-citizen who participates in these banned activities faces a penalty, upon conviction, of a fine not less than ten million shillings or imprisonment for up to six months. In addition, their visa and residence permit will be revoked.
Tanzanian citizens who are found to aid or facilitate non-citizens in these prohibited businesses will also face punishment. Upon conviction, they will be subject to a fine of five million shillings or a jail term not exceeding three months.
“Upon coming into effect of this Order, licensing authorities shall not issue or renew a licence for a non-citizen to carry out any of the business activities prohibited under this Order,” the notice reads.
While the Order blocks new licences or renewals for non-citizens in the designated sectors, it permits those already holding valid licences to continue operating only until their current licences expire. No extensions or renewals will be granted beyond that point.
The government insists that the directive is intended to boost Tanzanian citizens’ participation in core economic activities and to ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises remain locally owned and operated.
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