Leading Tanzanian oil marketing company Afroil Investment Limited and SAS Logistics have commended cyclist Boniface Ngwata for his third-place finish in the 2026 Vodacom Coastal Classic. Ngwata, who rides for team Matambuu, was the sole Tanzanian to finish on the podium in the men's 109-kilometre race from Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam to Bagamoyo. The race drew cyclists from Tanzania and several other countries, with Ugandan rider Charles Kagimu taking the win.
Ngwata's result provided him with another chance to test himself against international competition and showcased the potential of Tanzanian riders when given access to competitive events and sustained support. Afroil and SAS Logistics have been supporting Ngwata's development as part of their broader commitment to cycling and youth talent. The companies view Ngwata's performance as a significant milestone, demonstrating that Tanzanian cyclists can compete strongly against riders from other countries.
Afroil Managing Director Hilmy Ahmed expressed pride in Ngwata's performance, stating that it showed Tanzanian cyclists could compete strongly against riders from other countries when given the necessary support and opportunities. Ahmed highlighted that Afroil's support for Ngwata was part of a broader effort to create opportunities for young people through sport. The company believes that supporting sport is also supporting young people, talent development, and communities.
Ngwata's Coastal Classic podium came shortly after his impressive performance at the Pedal Pursuit Training Race, where he won the men's Elite and U23 category in 2:45:30. The 102-kilometre race, organised by the Cycling Association of Tanzania, attracted 59 riders in the men's category and has emerged as a key platform for identifying and developing local cycling talent. Over 10 cyclists who have emerged through the program have gone on to represent Tanzania at the World Championships in Rwanda.
Afroil and SAS Logistics have also supported Ngwata during the national cycling championships in Dodoma as part of their continued involvement in his development. The companies are working to strengthen the development of cycling talent in Tanzania by supporting riders and exploring ways to create a more structured pathway for young cyclists. One long-term plan is to contribute to the establishment of a cycling training centre that would identify promising young riders and provide them with structured training and development opportunities.
Ahmed stated that the objective was to move beyond supporting individual cyclists and help establish a system capable of producing riders who can compete nationally and internationally. The initiative will require wider private-sector involvement, with Afroil calling on banks, businesses, and other stakeholders to support the development of cycling infrastructure and talent. Stronger partnerships between the private sector, cycling authorities, and other stakeholders could provide the necessary resources to build a sustainable development structure for the sport.
Afroil is also among the partners supporting the Nyerere Cycling Tour, which began in Dar es Salaam on October 5 and is scheduled to finish in Butiama on October 14 after covering about 1,500 kilometres. The tour combines cycling with social initiatives in education, health, environmental conservation, and community development, with over 200 cyclists from Tanzania and other countries taking part. Afroil's involvement reflects its broader commitment to using sport as a platform for community development while supporting athletes beyond individual competitions.
Key points
- Afroil Investment Limited and SAS Logistics have commended Tanzanian cyclist Boniface Ngwata for his third-place finish in the 2026 Vodacom Coastal Classic.
- Ngwata's performance demonstrates the potential of Tanzanian riders when given access to competitive events and sustained support.
- Afroil and SAS Logistics are working to strengthen the development of cycling talent in Tanzania by supporting riders and exploring ways to create a more structured pathway for young cyclists.
