Twende Butiama is more than a bike ride – it’s a movement. This 15-day journey, sponsored by Vodacom Tanzania, empowers communities through education, healthcare and sustainability.

The Vodacom Twende Butiama cycle tour is an annual 15-day journey that starts from the bustling port of Dar es Salaam, located on Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coast, and concludes in Butiama, the hometown of Tanzania’s first President, Julius Nyerere, near the Kenyan border. Every year, participants cycle through at least 10 regions, with a handful of rest stops, adding to the sense of challenge and camaraderie.

This year’s event began on 29 September and brought together 85 cyclists from Tanzania and neighbouring countries, supported by Vodacom Tanzania, the main sponsor for the second consecutive year. The expedition concluded on 13 October in Butiama, Mara Region, just in time for the celebration of Nyerere Day on 14 October. This national day honours Julius Nyerere’s enduring legacy, which is rooted in the well-being and knowledge of all Tanzanians.

Kaspar Mmuya, Dodoma Regional Administrative Secretary, speaks at the handover ceremony at Dodoma Makulu Primary School, where Vodacom Tanzania and Stanbic Bank donated 100 desks and 1 000 trees. To his left is Fadhili Chibago, Dodoma’s Deputy Mayor, and Amon Sebyiga, Makulu Primary School Headmaster. On the far right is Joseph Sayi, Executive Head: Central Region of Vodacom Tanzania, and Gabriel Landa, founder of the Twende Butiama cycle tour.

Road to a just society

Nyerere believed that true progress starts with the well-being and education of each individual. This philosophy is at the heart of the Twende Butiama initiative, as empowering communities is key to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By blending cycling with a commitment to social causes, Twende Butiama embodies Nyerere’s ideals of an equitable and inclusive society.

Zuweina Farah, Director of External Affairs and Vodacom Tanzania Foundation, highlighted Vodacom’s pride in supporting the cause. “This year, we are proud to continue our support for this noble cause,” she said, encouraging both short- and long-distance cyclists to participate and inviting other partners to join the mission of positive community impact.

Improving learning environments

Since its inception in 2018, the Vodacom Twende Butiama expedition has served as a platform for community empowerment, with initiatives focused on education, health and environmental sustainability. This year, Vodacom’s focus was on improving learning environments to ensure that all individuals – including those with disabilities – have access to supportive spaces and essential tools for growth.

Representatives of Vodacom Tanzania and Stanbic Bank Tanzania with teachers and students of Dodoma Makulu Primary School, where the bank offered financial literacy training as part of the Vodacom Twende Butiama cycle tour.

In addition, participants engaged in a variety of impactful activities, such as climate action campaigns and supporting inclusive healthcare through community medical camps. “This year’s event not only celebrates our founding father’s legacy but also aims to create a lasting positive impact,” said Gabriel Landa, founder of the Twende Butiama initiative.

These efforts exemplify how Twende Butiama is more than just a cycle tour; it is a powerful movement that strengthens communities while honouring the legacy of one of Tanzania’s greatest leaders. Through cycling, participants and supporters alike are helping to pave the way toward a future of health, education and sustainability for all Tanzanians.

Pedalling for progress

The Vodacom Twende Butiama cycle tour is a tribute to former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere’s legacy, combining cycling, community engagement and philanthropy. Established in 2018 by a passionate group of cyclists, the event celebrates Nyerere’s love of cycling and his commitment to progress in education, healthcare and environmental conservation. Twende Butiama strives to empower Tanzanians both socially and economically, promoting unity and development across the country.