Tanzania Bans Foreigners From 15 Business Activities
Tanzania’s government has explicitly forbidden non-citizens from engaging in a list of 15 specified commercial activities, as per a new legal order issued under The Business Licensing Act (Cap. 101).
According to Government Notice No. 487A, published on July 28, 2025, and signed by Minister for Industry and Trade, Selemani Saidi Jafo, the order, titled The Business Licensing (Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens) Order, 2025, was issued under Section 14A(2) of the Act.
The order defines a “non-citizen” in accordance with the Tanzania Citizenship Act and prohibits anyone without Tanzanian citizenship from applying for or renewing licenses for the aforementioned economic activities.
Tanzania has officially banned non-citizens from engaging in 15 specific business activities with an aim to protect local entrepreneurs.
— Mwango Capital (@MwangoCapital) July 29, 2025
Non-citizens face fines of up to TZS 10 million (~$3,900), up to 6 months in prison, and revocation of visa and permits.
T for Tough. pic.twitter.com/MJrn3zdtiG
Business Activities That Are Prohibited:
1. Wholesale and retail sale of goods, excluding supermarkets, specialised product outlets, and wholesale centres for local products.
2. Mobile money transfers.
3. Repair of mobile phones and electronic devices.
4. Salon businesses, unless conducted in a hotel or for tourism purposes.
5. Home, office, and environmental cleanliness services.
6. Small-scale mining.
7. Postal activities and parcel delivery within the country.
8. Tour guiding.
9. Publishing and operation of radio and television.
10. Operation of kiosks or small shops.
11. Brokerage of agency in business and real estate.
12. Clearing and forwarding services.
13. On-farm and off-farm purchasing services.
14. Operation of gambling machines or devices, except within casino premises.
15. Operation of micro and small industries.
The licensing authorities have been directed not to issue or renew business licenses to non-citizens involved in the forbidden categories. Violators face severe fines.
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A non-citizen found operating any of the following businesses may face a fine of no less than ten million Tanzanian shillings (Sh495,000) or imprisonment for up to six months.
In addition, their visa or residency permission may be revoked.
Similarly, Tanzanian citizens who assist or enable non-citizens to engage in these restricted businesses face up to five million shillings in fines or three months in prison.
However, the ruling provides a transitory arrangement for non-citizens who currently possess legal licenses for the forbidden activities.
These individuals may only continue operating until their current license expires.
Tanzania Bans Foreigners From 15 Business Activities
