Introduction

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy with more than 220 million people and a GDP surpassing $470 billion, remains one of the continent’s most attractive destinations for expansion into West Africa. The country’s rapidly growing digital economy, rising industrial capacity, massive consumer market, and access to the 400 million person ECOWAS trading bloc make it a strategic launchpad for businesses seeking regional dominance.

Tanzania and Nigeria maintain a steadily strengthening economic and diplomatic relationship. According to data from Tanzania’s Ministry of Industry & Trade and the African Trade Observatory, trade between both nations continues to expand, supported by commercial activities in agriculture, manufacturing, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, logistics, and aviation services. Tanzanian enterprises; from Dar es Salaam agribusiness exporters to Arusha manufacturers, Dodoma based consultants, Zanzibar hospitality operators, fintech innovators, and logistics companies, are increasingly turning their attention to the Nigerian market.

This 2025 guide explains how a Tanzanian citizen, entrepreneur, or corporate body can register a Nigerian company remotely from Tanzania without travelling to Nigeria.
The process is based strictly on verified requirements of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), as well as immigration regulations including Expatriate Quota, STR Visa, and CERPAC residency requirements.

1. Nigeria’s Fully Digital & AI-Powered Incorporation System

Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) now operates a fully digital, AI-driven Company Registration Portal (CRP) that allows foreign investors; including Tanzanians, to complete the entire incorporation procedure online.

What This Means for Tanzanian Investors

• 100% remote registration: No travel, no paper submissions
• Digital-only certificates: All documents come with QR verification codes
• AI-assisted verification: Faster approvals and fewer errors
• Scanned uploads acceptable: PDFs or smartphone images
• End-to-end online workflow, comparable to Tanzania’s eGov systems such as BRELA online business registration

Investors in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, Dodoma, Zanzibar, Mbeya, or outside Tanzania can complete registration from anywhere.

2. Why Nigerian Incorporation Appeals to Tanzanian Investors

Nigeria and Tanzania are two of East and West Africa’s strongest emerging markets, sharing opportunities in trade, agriculture, aviation, manufacturing, and digital services. Tanzanian companies expanding into Nigeria benefit from new consumer markets, diversified revenue streams, and strategic West African presence.

a. Agribusiness, Food Processing & Exports

Tanzania’s strong performance in:

• horticulture

• grains and cereals

• tea & coffee

• livestock and dairy

• spices

• fishery products

makes Nigeria a high potential destination, given its huge food consumption levels and rising demand for processed foods.

b. Logistics, Aviation & Regional Connectivity

With increased cargo connections and continental integration, Tanzanian logistics firms (including those working with Air Tanzania cargo routes) see opportunities in Nigeria’s fast-growing e-commerce and supply-chain sectors.

c. Manufacturing & Industrial Expansion

Tanzania’s experience in:

• plastics

• FMCG

• packaging

• textiles

• industrial processing

aligns with Nigeria’s expanding manufacturing zones and import substitution policies.

d. ICT, Digital Services & Fintech

Tanzania’s growing digital transformation and fintech systems, mobile money, payment aggregation, digital platforms can plug into Nigeria’s $5 billion digital economy.

e. Construction, EPC & Infrastructure Projects

Tanzanian engineering and construction firms are increasingly pursuing opportunities in Nigeria’s:

• real estate development

• road and bridge construction

• renewable energy installations

• industrial facility construction

Investment Advantages for Tanzanian Citizens & Companies

• 100% foreign ownership allowed
• Full repatriation of profits and dividends
• Tax incentives for pioneer sectors
• Access to ECOWAS (15 countries, 400M consumers)
• Strong investor protection under CAMA 2020 and ISA

3. Requirements for Incorporation

Tanzanian investors typically register a Private Limited Liability Company (LLC) under Nigerian law.

A. Company Name Reservation

Submit preferred name options via the CAC portal.

Examples:

• DarTech Nigeria Ltd

• KilimoGreen Agro Nigeria Ltd

Approval Timeline: Within Minutes of Submission

B. Director & Shareholder Details

Provide:

• Full Name

• Gender

• Nationality

• Residential Address

• Email & Phone Number

• Date of Birth

• Occupation

Minimum: 1 director
Maximum: Unlimited

C. Share Capital & Ownership

Standard minimum for foreign investors:
₦100 million share capital

Ownership options:

• 100% Tanzanian

• Joint ownership (Tanzanian + Nigerian)

Example:

• Tanzanian shareholder — 85%

• Nigerian shareholder — 15%

D. Business Objectives

Define your company’s activities: e.g., manufacturing, logistics, consulting, ICT, EPC, agriculture, or trading.

E. Identification Documents

Upload:

• Clear Tanzanian passport scan

• Digital signature page

F. Registered Office Address in Nigeria

Mandatory.
Tanzanian investors may initially use a professional registered office service.

4. Can a Tanzanian Be Sole Director & Shareholder?

Yes.
Tanzanians can own 100% of a Nigerian company and serve as the only director.

However, to operate the business (banking, tax compliance, regulatory filings), the director must have:

• BVN (Bank Verification Number)

• NIN (National Identification Number)

These are only obtainable after completing:

• Expatriate Quota (EQ)

• STR Visa

• CERPAC Residency Permit

Practical Workaround:

To launch operations quickly:

• Appoint a temporary Nigerian director to serve as initial bank signatory.

After the Tanzanian investor obtains:

• Expatriate Quota
• STR Visa
• CERPAC + BVN/NIN

They can:

• Remove the temporary director
• Become the full managing director

5. Step-by-Step Incorporation Process

Step 1: Name Reservation

Submit two names.
Approval in Minutes after name submission..

Step 2: Enter Company Details

Input director/shareholder data, share structure, and Nigerian office address.

Step 3: Upload Documents

Upload passports, signatures, and proof of address.

Step 4: CAC AI Verification

AI screening + human review.
Approval in 2–4 working days.

Step 5: Receive Digital Incorporation Documents

• Certificate of Incorporation

• CAC Status Report

• Memorandum & Articles of Association

All documents are digitally signed.

6. Post-Incorporation Compliance Requirements

7. Opening a Nigerian Corporate Bank Account

Required Documents

• Certificate of Incorporation
• TIN
• SCUML certificate
• Passport
• Proof of Nigerian office address

Important Requirement

A bank signatory must have:

• BVN

• NIN

• Nigeria-registered phone number

Since Tanzanians cannot obtain these without CERPAC, a local director is used temporarily.

Once the Tanzanian investor completes:

• Expatriate Quota
• STR Visa
• CERPAC Residency

They can take full control of the account.

8. Cost Breakdown (Accurate for 2025)

Total Estimated Cost: $3,650
Estimated Timeline: 30–35 working days

9. Legal & Immigration Requirements for Tanzanians

To operate the company inside Nigeria, you must complete:

A. Expatriate Quota (EQ)

Allows the Nigerian company to employ foreign nationals.
Issued by the Ministry of Interior.

B. STR Visa (Subject to Regularization)

Applied through the Nigerian Embassy in Dar es Salaam or via official immigration channels.

C. CERPAC Residency Permit

This enables the Tanzanian investor to:

• Obtain BVN
• Obtain NIN
•  Operate bank accounts
• Serve legally as director

10. Tanzania–Nigeria Trade & Investment Snapshot

Trade between Tanzania and Nigeria is growing, supported by AfCFTA and bilateral cooperation.

Tanzania’s Key Exports to Nigeria

• Agricultural produce (tea, coffee, spices)

• Textiles and garments

• Fish and livestock products

• Processed foods

• Minerals and metals

• ICT services

Nigeria’s Exports to Tanzania

• Petroleum products

• Machinery and equipment

• Chemicals and plastics

• Consumer goods

• Agricultural products

Major Tanzanian Investment Interests in Nigeria

• Agro-processing

• Digital technology and fintech

• Logistics and supply chain

• Construction and EPC

• FMCG and manufacturing

• Professional services

11. Benefits of Nigerian Company Registration for Tanzanians

• 100% foreign ownership permitted
• Fully remote registration
• Digital certificates
• Access to ECOWAS 400M-consumer market
• Strong legal protection for foreign investors
• Full profit repatriation
• No travel required for incorporation

12. Common Misconceptions

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can a Tanzanian register a Nigerian company remotely?
Yes. The entire process is online.

Q2: What is the minimum share capital for foreign participation?
₦100 million.

Q3: Do I need to travel to Nigeria?
Only if you want to personally become a bank signatory or residency holder.

Q4: Can profits be repatriated to Tanzania?
Yes, through authorised Nigerian banks.

Q5: Is a Nigerian partner compulsory?
No. A temporary director may be used only for compliance.

14. Conclusion

Registering a Nigerian company from Tanzania has become easier, faster, and more transparent than ever before, thanks to CAC’s advanced AI-enabled digital platform. Tanzanian investors; from Dar es Salaam manufacturers to Arusha tech companies and Mwanza agribusiness operators, can incorporate remotely and establish a legal presence in Africa’s largest economy without visiting Nigeria.

Once Expatriate Quota, STR Visa, and CERPAC residency are completed, Tanzanian directors can obtain BVN/NIN, open corporate accounts, and take full control of operations.

From Dar es Salaam to Lagos, Arusha to Abuja, and Zanzibar to Port Harcourt, this guide provides Tanzanian entrepreneurs with a reliable, compliant, and strategic pathway into West Africa’s most powerful economic landscape.