Tanzania Breweries PLC (TBL) and the Tanzania Red Cross Society (TRCS) have completed a road safety training initiative targeting commercial motorcycle riders in Dar es Salaam. According to the Daily News, the partnership successfully trained 1,624 riders, surpassing the initial target of 1,600 participants. The program was designed to equip riders with practical knowledge on defensive riding, traffic regulations, and emergency response protocols.
The training sessions were conducted across all five districts of Dar es Salaam. Participants received instruction on the importance of helmet use, responsible decision-making, and first aid skills. The Daily News reported that the initiative aims to leverage the role of commercial riders, who often serve as first responders at accident scenes, to strengthen community preparedness. By providing these skills, the program seeks to improve immediate assistance during emergencies and reduce the severity of injuries on the road.
Road safety is a critical issue in Tanzania, where an estimated 10,000 people lose their lives annually. The World Health Organization identifies road traffic injuries as a leading cause of death among young people globally. The Daily News highlighted that these statistics underscore the need for collaboration between the private sector, civil society, and the government. TBL has maintained its partnership with TRCS since 2024 to address these challenges through education and awareness campaigns.
Neema Temba, Director of Corporate Affairs and Regulatory at TBL, stated that the company believes thriving communities begin with safer ones. She emphasized that the initiative is about protecting families and preserving livelihoods. The positive response from riders and the achievement of exceeding the training target demonstrated the value of the program, according to Temba. The Daily News noted that TBL also advocates for responsible behavior, reinforcing the message that drinking and riding do not mix.
Lucia Pande, Secretary General of the Tanzania Red Cross Society, described road safety as a shared responsibility. She expressed pride in working alongside TBL to strengthen safety awareness and resilience within Tanzanian communities. The partnership aims to continue expanding these programs to promote responsible road use across the country. As Tanzania prepares for the festive season, the organizations reaffirmed their commitment to reducing road fatalities through sustained education and community engagement.