A game butcher shop is a shop that sell bush meat (game meat). To start a game meat shop, you need to follow 5 steps. First is to get your business registered with BRELA, then get the business registered with TRA, then get Tax Clearance Certificate from TRA, then get the business registered with TAWA and get a business license from TAMISEMI at council level. Game butcher shop falls under ISIC 4721: Retail sale of food in specialized stores which is in the Trading Sector (Wholesale & Retail).
Introduction
Tanzania boasts a rich and diverse ecosystem, making it a prime location for those interested in entering the game meat industry. However, unlike traditional beef butcheries, establishing a game meat butcher shop comes with a set of rigorous regulations and compliance requirements.
The Wildlife Conservation (Game Meat Selling) Regulations, 2020 governs the operation of game meat butchers, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and stringent oversight.
The Potentials
Game meat is a scarce product because hunting is restricted. That means you may not have enough supplies to meet the demand within the country and for export if you wish to go beyond the borders. This means the market is obviously larger than the available supply. Dar es Salaam presents the most prime market having a wide array of mix of cultures with a larger proportion of foreign game-meat lovers.
Our research shows that supplies will be intermittent with a likely volume of 1 ton per month or lesser. This presents a major constraint in the assurance of supplies to your customers.
Steps to Start a Game Butcher Shop in Tanzania
Step 1: Preparing Business Plan
Prepare a business plan detailing the proposed undertaking including business description (game meat products, geographical location, designs and amenities of a game meat selling facility), capital, targeted customers, financial analysis and expected cash flow, expected sources of game meat, game meat transactions control mechanism, and in case the business will include slaughtering and dressing, then the plan shall clearly detail the design of the slaughtering facility.
Step 2: Finding Proper Location
Unlike beef butchers that can operate virtually anywhere, game meat butchers must be located within areas specifically designated by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism. This ensures that the establishment adheres to conservation goals and environmental considerations.
Step 3: Registering the Business with BRELA
The business can be registered as a proprietorship or partnership (BRELA calls that as “Business Name”). We have an article that details how to register your business name with BRELA. Click this link to open the article.
Alternatively you can register a company instead of a business name to separate the legal liability between owners and the business. To register a company follow the guide linked here. In case you opt to setup a company, be sure to have 51% or more shares to a local shareholder.
Step 4: Registering the Business with TRA
Your business will require Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and hence TIN certificate. You can get that from Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA). The requirements depends whether you registered a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a company in step 1 above.
For Sole Proprietors: TRA will need (1) your NIDA number. (2) business premise rental agreement. (3) local government introduction letter. (4) duly completed online TIN application form. The local government introduction letter will require passport photo of yourself.
For Partnerships: TRA will need (1) NIDA number of all the partners. (2) business rental agreement for the premise. (3) local government introduction letter. (4) partnership deed. (5) duly filled online TIN application form. (6) passport photos of all the partners.
For Companies: TRA will need (1) NIDA number of all local directors. (2) copies of personal TIN certificates of all local directors. (3) copy of MEMARTS. (4) Official search from BRELA showing details of the company and ownership. (5) business premise rental agreement. (6) local government introduction letter (with passport of one director affixed to it).
Step 5: Buying EFD or VFD
In an effort to combat poaching and monitor the game meat trade, operators must equip their butcher shops with Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs). These devices not only facilitate transactions but also generate detailed receipts for customers, including their name, address, and the quantity of game meat purchased.
Step 6: Registering the Business with TAWA
Submit an application to the Director General of Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority using the online registration portal. You will get control number for the registration fee of Tshs 250,000/=. Note, if the business is a partnership or corporate company then 51% or more of the voting shares should be owned by a local citizen.
For Proprietorships: Copy of TIN, Tax Clearance, and Certificate of registration.
For Partnerships: Copy of TIN, Tax Clearance, Certificate of registration, Extract from Registrar, and partnership deed.
For Companies: Copy of TIN, Tax Clearance, Certificate of Incorporation, Memarts.
Step 7: Obtaining Trophy Dealer License
Securing a game meat butcher registration certificate, valid for five years, is just the beginning. To operate as a game meat butcher, you must also obtain a trophy dealer license (TDL), renewable annually. This license signify compliance with the regulatory framework and a commitment to ethical practices.
Step 8: Obtaining Business License
Apply for a local government council level business license from TAMISEMI through the TAUSI portal. Business license is a mandatory requirement for any kind of business in Tanzania.
Compliance Requirements
Record-Keeping
Game meat butcher operators must maintain a comprehensive register documenting each transaction. This register should include the buyer’s name and the quantity of meat purchased. Moreover, operators must trace and record the source of the game meat, which can originate from various legal channels such as resident hunting, tourist hunting, wildlife farms, zoos, culling, cropping, and problem animal control.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Engaging in any activities that violate the stringent regulations governing the game meat industry can result in severe consequences. Given the industry’s highly regulated nature, it is imperative for operators to adhere to all requirements to avoid legal ramifications and contribute to the conservation efforts in Tanzania.
Conclusion
Starting a game meat butcher shop in Tanzania is a venture that demands commitment to conservation, compliance with regulations, and ethical business practices. By navigating the complex regulatory landscape, entrepreneurs can not only establish a successful business but also contribute to the preservation of Tanzania’s unique and diverse wildlife.
 Kessy Juma is the founder of Miamia Trading Company (miamiatz). He is a Techpreneur with roots in accountancy. He believes that any business is good as long it caters the right market using the right strategy. 
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