Tanzania’s Minister for Industry and Trade, Selemani Saidi Jafo, has issued a directive outlining 15 business activities that are now prohibited for non-citizens. This measure, dated July 25, 2025, from Dodoma, aims to regulate foreign participation in certain sectors of the economy.
The comprehensive list specifies areas where foreign ownership and operation are no longer permitted, ranging from retail trade to various service industries.
This move is part of the government’s efforts to foster local economic development and ensure that specific business segments are reserved for Tanzanian citizens.
Here are the 15 business activities prohibited for non-citizens:
1. The business of sale of goods on a wholesale and retail basis, excluding supermarkets,
specialised product outlets, and wholesale centres for local producers.
2. Mobile money transfers.
3. Repair of mobile phones and electronic devices.
4. Salon business, unless the business is conducted in a hotel or for tourism purposes.
5. Home, office and environmental cleanliness.
6. Small-scale mining.
7. Postal activities and parcel delivery within the country.
8. Tour guiding within the country.
9. Establishment and operation of radio and television.
10. Operation of museums or curio shops.
11. Brokerage or agency in businesses and real estate.
12. Clearing and forwarding services.
13. On-farm crop purchasing operations.
14. Ownership or operation of gambling machines or devices, except within casino premises.
15. Ownership and operation of micro and small industries
