Published on 29/07/2025
Tanzanian government has officially banned foreign nationals from operating in 15 categories of small and medium-sized businesses.
According to the notice from Tanzania‘s Minister for Industry and Trade, Selemani Saidi Jafo, the move aims to protect local entrepreneurs and reshape domestic economic participation. Among the prohibited activities are mobile money transfers, phone and electronics repair, salon services (except in hotels or for tourism), cleaning services, small-scale mining, postal delivery, tour guiding, and ownership of radio or TV stations.
Foreigners are also barred from real estate brokerage, crop purchasing, gambling machine operations (outside casinos), and running micro or small industries.
Violators face fines of up to Tsh10 million or six months in prison, while Tanzanians who assist them risk three-month jail terms and fines. Foreigners with existing licenses may continue operating only until their permits expire
