On 28 July 2025, the Government of Tanzania published Government Notice No. 487A, introducing the Business Licensing (Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens) Order, 2025 (the Business Licensing Order). Specifically aimed at reserving certain economic sectors for Tanzanian citizens.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, being the licensing authority, is prohibited from issuing a business licence or renewing a business licence for a non-citizen to carry out the following prohibited economic activities.
Upon conviction, non-citizens carries any of prohibited business activity shall be liable to a fine of not less than TZS 10,000,000. In some instances, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, and revocation of the visa and residence permit.
Tanzanian citizens who assist non-citizens to carry out prohibited activities, upon conviction, may be liable to a fine of TZS 5,000,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months.
HALA Consultants advises foreign companies and sole proprietors on ways to navigate the current regime and ensure compliance with the legal requirements as per this issued business licensing order to avoid unnecessary fines.
HALA Consultants
Certified Public Accountants
[email protected]
0752187434
Furthermore, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, being the licensing authority, is prohibited from issuing a business licence or renewing a business licence for a non-citizen to carry out the following prohibited economic activities.
- Retail and wholesale trade (excluding supermarkets and specialized product outlets);
- Mobile money transfers;
- Mobile phones and electronic devices repair services;
- Salon business, unless the business is conducted in a hotel or for tourism purposes;
- Home, office and environmental cleaning services;
- Small-scale mining;
- Postal activities and parcel delivery within the country;
- Tour guiding within the country;
- Establishment and operation of radio and television;
- Operation of museums and curio shops;
- Brokerage or agency in businesses and real estate;
- Clearing & forwarding services;
- On-farm crop purchasing operations;
- Ownership or operation of gambling machines or devices, except within casino premises; and
- Ownership and operation of micro and small-scale industries.
Upon conviction, non-citizens carries any of prohibited business activity shall be liable to a fine of not less than TZS 10,000,000. In some instances, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, and revocation of the visa and residence permit.
Tanzanian citizens who assist non-citizens to carry out prohibited activities, upon conviction, may be liable to a fine of TZS 5,000,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months.
HALA Consultants advises foreign companies and sole proprietors on ways to navigate the current regime and ensure compliance with the legal requirements as per this issued business licensing order to avoid unnecessary fines.
HALA Consultants
Certified Public Accountants
[email protected]
0752187434