A salon at Kenyatta Market./FILEThe government of Tanzania has formally prohibited non-citizens from engaging in a list of 15 specified business activities following the issuance of a new legal order 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 made under Section 14A(2) of the Act.
The order defines a “non-citizen” in accordance with the Tanzania Citizenship Act and strictly bars individuals without Tanzanian citizenship from applying for or renewing licenses for the listed business activities.
The 15 business activities now prohibited for non-citizens are:
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 to cease issuance or renewal of business licenses to non-citizens involved in the prohibited categories.
Violators face serious penalties.
A non-citizen found operating any of the listed businesses may be fined not less than ten million Tanzanian shillings(Sh495,000) or imprisoned for up to six months, in addition to possible revocation of their visa or residence permit.
Similarly, Tanzanian citizens who assist or enable non-citizens to engage in these restricted businesses face fines of up to five million shillings or imprisonment for up to three months.
However, the order allows a transitional arrangement for non-citizens who currently hold valid licenses for the prohibited activities. These individuals may continue operating only until their existing license expires.
The order, dated July 25, 2025, marks a significant shift in Tanzania’s business environment, aiming to reserve certain economic opportunities exclusively for Tanzanian citizens.
