Tanzania has barred foreign nationals from owning and operating small-scale businesses in 15 sectors, including mobile money transfers, tour guiding, and beauty salons.
The move aims to safeguard local livelihoods and encourage foreigners to invest in large-scale businesses.
However, the ban has sparked concern and anger in neighboring Kenya, with some arguing that it violates East African Community agreements that guarantee free movement of people and trade.
Kenya’s National Assembly Trade Committee chairman Bernard Shinali warned that the move could trigger reciprocal restrictions, saying, “There are many Tanzanians working in our mining sites too.” Kenyan president William Ruto’s administration has summoned the trade minister to shed more light on the matter.
Many Kenyans have raised concerns on social media, describing Tanzania’s policy move as a challenge to regional integration.
