Prohibited Non-Tanzanian Business Activities

The Business Licensing (Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens) Order GN 487A 2025 (Order), effective from 28 July 2025 under the Business Licensing Act 1972, now restricts the participation of non-citizens in specific sectors of the Tanzanian economy; its primary purpose is to designate certain business activities exclusively for Tanzanian citizens.

Key Provisions:

• Licensing authorities shall not issue or renew a licence for a non-citizen to carry out any of the business activities prohibited under the Order.
• A non-citizen who holds a valid licence for any prohibited business activity may continue to carry out such activities until the licence expires.

Prohibited Business Activities:

1. The business of sale of goods on a wholesale and retail basis, excluding supermarkets, specialised product outlets, and wholesale centers 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.

Offences and Penalties:

• A non-citizen who carries out any of the prohibited business activities commits an offence and shall be liable to fine of not less than TZS 10 million or imprisonment for not exceeding 6 months, and revocation of visa and resident permit.
• A Tanzanian citizen who assists or aids a non-citizen to carry out any of the prohibited business activities commits an offence and shall be liable to a fine of TZS 5 million or imprisonment for not exceeding 3 months.

Please contact VELMA Law if you have any comments or questions.