Over 5,000 expected as Dar’s most popular charity goat races return
Project Manager Paul Muhato (wearing a cap) poses with sponsors ahead of the 21st edition of the Rotary Goat Races, one of Dar es Salaam’s most popular charity events, scheduled for September 20, 2025, at The Green in Oysterbay from 12 noon to 8pm. PHOTO | COURTESY
For the third year in a row, Vodacom Tanzania returns as the title sponsor, underlining its long-term commitment to supporting education for underserved communities
Dar es Salaam. Preparations are in full swing for the 21st edition of the Rotary Goat Races, one of Dar es Salaam’s most popular charity events. The races are scheduled for September 20, 2025, at The Green in Oysterbay, running from 12 noon to 8pm.
Organizers expect more than 5,000 participants to attend what has become a must-see event on the city’s social calendar.
Project Manager Paul Muhato said this year’s edition is targeting to raise Sh200 million, with funds directed towards supporting education across the country.
He explained that the races will feature 80 goats, grouped into 10 categories, with each group competing for the ultimate prize.
The winning goat will secure Sh400,000 for its sponsor. Muhato added that while sponsorship has been encouraging, the event is still open for more partners willing to support the cause.
For the third year in a row, Vodacom Tanzania PLC returns as the title sponsor, underlining its long-term commitment to supporting education for underserved communities.
The company has partnered again with the Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam Oyster Bay, which organizes the event, to ensure this year’s edition makes an even bigger impact.Vodacom’s Head of Media Relations, Annette Kanora, said the company’s involvement is motivated by the tangible results achieved in previous years.
Kanora explained that Vodacom’s sponsorship has already helped improve school infrastructure and provide scholarships to more than 130 underprivileged students in higher learning and vocational training.
This year, Vodacom plans to build on that success by further enhancing learning environments and investing in WASH facilities.
She described the 2025 theme, “Wild Wild Dar,” as a celebration of Rotary’s values of bringing people together and serving the community.
She noted that the Goat Races have become a family-friendly occasion that combines fun with meaningful charity, and Vodacom is proud to contribute.
In addition to Vodacom, SBC Tanzania Limited, the distributor of PepsiCo products in the country, has also stepped forward as the Gold Sponsor.
Speaking during the sponsorship announcement, Brand and Events Manager Roselyne Bruno said SBC Tanzania is honored to continue its partnership with the Goat Races.
She said that the event reflects values that the company holds dear, including genuine community inclusion and sustainable impact.
Bruno highlighted that the Goat Races are more than just entertainment.
She explained that every ticket purchased, every goat sponsored, and even every Pepsi consumed during the event helps to fund education and healthcare projects that transform lives.
According to her, this makes the Goat Races a unique platform where fun and laughter directly contribute to meaningful social progress.
The Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam Oyster Bay has built a strong reputation for channeling the proceeds of the Goat Races into impactful community projects.
Over the years, funds raised have gone into improving education infrastructure, healthcare services, and opportunities for disadvantaged groups.
This alignment with Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” has made the Goat Races more than just a festive gathering—it has cemented the event’s role as a catalyst for development.
The 2025 edition has attracted an impressive lineup of sponsors.
Alongside Vodacom and Pepsi, supporters include EATV, The Tanzanite Dream, YARA, AUTOMARK Tanzania (Toyota), TBL, Tiketika, JC Decaux, Hotel Slipway, Secure 7 System Limited, and Bowmans.
Other partners are Premier Care, NBC Bank, TotalEnergies, Trellidor Tanzania, SGA Security, Alliance Life Assurance, Minet Insurance Brokers, Le Grand Casino, The Saddle Club, Red n White, Sea Cliff Hotel, Insignia, I&M Bank, Jibu, and FK International Schools.
With its quirky races, colorful costumes, and vibrant social atmosphere, the Rotary Goat Races have become a fixture on Dar es Salaam’s annual events calendar.
Yet, beyond the fun and excitement, the event remains focused on its mission—mobilizing resources to improve access to education and other essential services. For Muhato and the organizing team, the goal is simple: to provide a day of entertainment while leaving behind a lasting legacy in communities that need it most.
“This is more than just a race,” Muhato said. “It is about coming together as a community to make a difference.”
