Tanzania Probes Foreign Traders' Presence in Kariakoo

A government-appointed committee investigating the growing number of foreign traders in Kariakoo has made significant progress, with half of its work now complete.

The committee, formed by the Minister of Industry and Trade, Dr. Selemani Jafo, on February 2, has been meeting with various traders and business owners to gather insights into the impact of foreign competition in one of Tanzania’s busiest commercial hubs.

The 15-member team, chaired by Prof. Edda Lwoga of the College of Business Education (CBE), was tasked with assessing the concerns raised by local traders and proposing solutions. The formation of the committee followed a directive from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who highlighted the issue during a State House event on January 30, calling for a closer look at how foreign traders are affecting local businesses.

Since its launch, the committee has actively engaged with different groups, including small-scale vendors (machinga), sellers of electrical appliances, car accessories dealers, and cosmetics traders. These discussions aim to understand the challenges local traders face and explore ways to create a fair and balanced business environment.

Prof. Lwoga confirmed that the committee is working within the set timeline and is on track to submit its final report by March 2. “We are continuing to meet with traders in Kariakoo to ensure we get a full picture of their concerns. The goal is to present a report that fairly represents all perspectives,” she said.

To make the process more inclusive, a free phone line has been set up, allowing citizens to share their views directly with the committee. This initiative ensures that voices from all sides—both traders and the general public—are considered before recommendations are made.

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Local business leaders have welcomed the investigation, seeing it as a step toward addressing long-standing issues of competition and market access. Severini Mushi, chairman of the Kariakoo Traders Association, encouraged traders to speak up. “This is an opportunity to highlight the challenges we face and ensure the government understands what’s happening on the ground,” he said.

With just a few weeks left until the report is due, all eyes are on the committee’s findings and the potential impact they may have on policies governing foreign business participation in Tanzania’s local markets. The hope is that the final recommendations will lead to fair regulations that support both local traders and legitimate foreign investors while ensuring economic stability in Kariakoo and beyond.