Tanzania has taken steps to protect local businesses by banning foreigners from operating certain small-scale businesses.

The government aims to promote economic growth and job creation for Tanzanian citizens by reserving specific sectors for local entrepreneurs.

The sectors are:

Excluding supermarkets and specialized product outlets, foreigners can no longer operate mobile money transfer services. Repair services for electronic devices are now reserved for Tanzanians. Foreigners can’t operate salons unless they’re in hotels or catering to tourism and tour guiding is now exclusive to Tanzanian citizens.

Foreigners are also prohibited from engaging in small-scale mining activities while local parcel & postal delivery services, and ownership and operation of radio and TV stations are reserved for Tanzanians. Operating museums and curio shops is also now exclusive to Tanzanians

Foreigners can’t engage in brokerage or agency services in business and real estate while providing clearing and forwarding services is restricted to Tanzanian citizens.

There are some punishments attached to this when one doesn’t stay within their sector. They are:

• Fine of not less than 10 million Tanzanian shillings (approximately $3,850 USD)
• Imprisonment for up to six months
• Potential deportation through revocation of visa and resident permit

This move aligns with Tanzania’s broader economic development agenda, prioritizing industrialization, job creation, and improved living standards for its citizens.