The Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA) is equipping young Tanzanians with practical knowledge on formalizing their businesses, a move aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship, promoting legal compliance, and boosting the national economy. The training took place on February 20, 2026, at BRELA offices in Dar es Salaam.
Speaking at the event, Maryglory Mmari, Registration Officer from BRELA’s Companies and Business Names Directorate, emphasized the agency’s commitment to bringing services closer to entrepreneurs.
“BRELA continues to engage citizens through training sessions, business exhibitions, clinics, and real-time registration services in partnership with municipal business officers nationwide,” she said.
The session involved youths from the Convention Social Economic Empowerment (CSEE) organization, including students from the Institute of Finance Management (IFM), the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), the College of Diplomacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy (TIA), and entrepreneurs participating in the Mzalendo Tour program.
Mmari underscored the importance of formalizing business operations through BRELA’s Online Registration System (ORS).
“All registration services are accessible online. Entrepreneurs must ensure they have the necessary accounts and documents before registration. Post-registration, business owners are legally obliged to submit annual returns, update company information when required, and report changes within the stipulated timelines,” she explained.
Lucas Mafuru, Licensing Officer from BRELA, clarified the distinction between Category “A” and “B” business licenses.
He noted that Category “A” licenses, issued by BRELA, cater to businesses with national or international scope, while Category “B” licenses are granted by municipal authorities for locally focused enterprises.
Meanwhile, Nassoro Mtavu, Assistant Senior Registrar from BRELA’s Intellectual Property Directorate, highlighted the role of intellectual property in fostering youth innovation.
He noted that innovators can secure patents for solutions that address social or economic challenges effectively.
Theresia Assey, Director of CSEE, said the training aimed to provide young entrepreneurs with the knowledge to start and manage businesses while observing legal requirements.
“Participants now understand the advantages of formalizing businesses, including access to loans, legal credibility, and reduced ownership disputes,” she said.
Luis Erick, an IFM student and Mzalendo Tour member, described the training as empowering. “It gave us confidence to run businesses on proper legal grounds. I encourage my peers to register their business names with BRELA to protect their ownership and avoid disputes,” he said.
The training is part of BRELA’s ongoing strategy to reach more youths, offering guidance on registering business names and companies, acquiring Category “A” licenses, industrial licenses, and accessing intellectual property services, including patents.
