Kenya Petitions EAC Over Tanzania's Foreign Business Ban - July 2025

Kenya has officially petitioned the East African Community (EAC) to compel Tanzania to reverse its recent ban on foreigners conducting specific businesses. This action follows concerns that Tanzania's new order undermines the principles of regional economic integration. Geoffrey Mosiria, Chief Officer for Environment in Nairobi, has appealed to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu to reverse a new ban prohibiting foreigners, including Kenyans, from operating certain small and medium-sized businesses in Tanzania, including mobile money transfers, small-scale mining, and hospitality sectors. Kenya officially requested that Tanzania retract its recently implemented excise duties, industrial development levy, and laws restricting foreign businesses, including those owned by Kenyans, labeling these measures as 'discriminatory.'