A growing number of African countries are tightening restrictions on foreign nationals operating small businesses, as governments seek to protect jobs and economic opportunities for their citizens.
Kenya is the latest country to move in this direction. President William Ruto has ordered enforcement beginning September 7th against foreigners operating businesses such as hawking and small retail shops that the government says should be reserved for Kenyans.Â
Ruto said some foreign traders were competing with local entrepreneurs in low-capital businesses.
The move follows Tanzania’s decision in July 2025 to bar non-citizens from 15 categories of businesses, including certain retail and wholesale activities, mobile-money services, salons, electronics repair and other small enterprises.
Ghana and Botswana have also maintained policies reserving selected small-business sectors for citizens.Â
The policies do not represent a broader rejection of foreign investment.Â
Instead, the governments are drawing a distinction between major foreign investments that bring capital and jobs and small, livelihood-based businesses viewed as opportunities for citizens.
The trend is likely to fuel debate over economic protection, regional trade, and the treatment of African migrants doing business across borders.
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