The Tanzanian government has issued a directive barring non-citizens, including Nigerians, from participating in 15 small and medium-scale business activities across the country. The move aims to protect local entrepreneurs and address rising concerns over unemployment and market displacement.

The directive, known as the Business Licensing (Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens Order) 2025, was signed by Minister for Industry and Trade Selemani Saidi Jafo. It prohibits foreigners from operating in sectors such as retail trade, mobile money transfers, tour guiding, and small-scale mining.

According to the order, licensing authorities are no longer permitted to issue or renew business licenses to non-citizens seeking to operate within the restricted sectors. “Upon coming into effect of this order, licensing authorities shall not issue or renew a licence for a non-citizen to carry out any of the business activities prohibited under this order,” the Ministry said in an official statement.

The restrictions affect businesses like wholesale and retail, repair of mobile phones, salons outside hotels and tourism operations, home and office cleaning services, and on-farm crop purchasing. Other barred activities include ownership and operation of micro and small-scale industries, real estate and business brokerage, and operation of gambling machines outside casino premises.

The government cited the need to ensure native Tanzanians benefit more directly from economic opportunities. “This order is a deliberate step to ensure that sectors traditionally accessible to locals remain preserved for Tanzanians. It reflects the government’s broader commitment to economic inclusion and employment for citizens,” Minister Jafo said.

The policy has been welcomed by local business associations but has raised concerns among international observers about potential impacts on foreign investment, trade relations, and diplomatic ties. Tanzania joins other African nations, including Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa, in taking legislative steps to ring-fence certain economic activities for citizens.

Foreigners currently operating in the affected sectors may continue until their licenses expire, but new licenses will not be issued or renewed for non-citizens in these sectors. The order took effect immediately, signaling a new phase of economic nationalism in Tanzania’s domestic business environment.