THE committee formed to investigate the reported presence of foreigners engaged in small scale businesses at Dar es Salaam’s Kariakoo trade hub has recommended that the government declares the area a special commercial zone and create a comprehensive database of all traders operating there.

The committee was of the view that the move will facilitate identification and monitoring of foreign traders at the area.

The recommendations were presented on Monday by Chairperson of the committee, Prof. Edda Lwoga while delivering the committee’s report on the investigation.

Prof. Lwoga emphasised the need to separate wholesale and retail business areas and suggested establishing   One-Stop Centre where government services would be accessible in one place.

She further recommended that President's Office – Regional Administration and Local Government finalises the process of relocating small scale traders from Kariakoo area to the open DART area on Lindi Street as a temporary solution while awaiting the construction of a new market at Jangwani.

Prof. Lwoga noted that the Jangwani Market is expected to accommodate 4,800 small traders, which represents approximately 82 percent of small traders with tables at Kariakoo area.

The committee also advised the President’s Office, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA) to create a single window system for issuing all business licenses nationwide. This would streamline access to services for traders while maintaining revenue for licensing authorities.

"Establishing a single window system will simplify service access for traders and create a unified database of business licences across the country," she stated.

The committee further recommended conducting a joint audit of institutions and authorities responsible for business registration, licensing, and permits at Kariakoo and other major cities to improve transparency and efficiency.

Prof. Lwoga urged BRELA to establish and maintain a comprehensive database of all business activities in the country, from small-scale enterprises to large businesses.

She also advised the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), the Immigration Department, and the Department of Labour to educate business owners on compliance with national laws and the consequences of using forged or unauthorised documents for business operations and residency.

The committee recommended that the government strengthens ward and local security committees by equipping chairpersons and local government executives with registers of all foreigners and tenants in their areas.

Additionally, Prof. Lwoga called on the police force, immigration department, and local government authorities to enhance monitoring of foreigners upon entry into the country and to conduct regular inspections to ensure that their business activities comply with their permits.

The committee also advised business colleges to enhance both short-term and long-term training for traders and provide practical training for business students.