Puma Energy Tanzania in collaboration with Amend has launched phase two of its Be Road Safe Africa programme. This transformative road safety initiative empowers children and aims to improve road safety awareness in local communities.

Building on the 2023 programme, which targeted five schools in high-risk areas in Dar es Salaam, the second phase expands efforts to five more primary schools: Kisukuru (Tabata), Kunguru (Goba), Mjimpya (Kurasini), Ufukoni (Kigamboni), and Salasala (Salasala).

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), globally, road traffic injuries (RTI) are the leading cause of death among young people between the ages of 10 and 19 years, the third leading cause of Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) lost in this age group, and the third leading cause of death for children aged five to nine. In addition to death and disability, RTI can have lasting effects on children as a result of post-traumatic stress disorder, disrupted schooling, and strains on household resources.

At 31 deaths per 100,000 population, WHO reports that fatalities from road traffic crashes in Tanzania are almost 1.7 times the global rate and higher than the African average. 

Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) William Mkonda, officiated the launch, reinforcing the government’s commitment to reducing road traffic accidents, which claim thousands of lives annually.

“Road accidents continue to be a major challenge in Tanzania. Be Road Safe Africa aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to promote safe road practices. Statistics from the Tanzania Police Force indicate that in 2024 alone, the country recorded 1,735 road accidents, resulting in 1,715 fatalities and 2,719 injuries. Human error, including negligence, reckless driving, and speeding, accounted for 97% of these incidents. We encourage the private sector and road safety stakeholders to continue collaborating with the government to educate and raise awareness about road safety,” said SACP Mkonda.

Eng. Lameck Hiliyai, Head of Operations at Puma Energy Tanzania, emphasized the company’s commitment to safety and community well-being: “At Puma Energy, safety is at the core of our operations. Through this campaign, we reinforce our HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, and Environment) principles and ensure that children, who are among the most vulnerable road users, are equipped with the knowledge to stay safe. Be Road Safe Africa  is improving the safety of primary school children through education programmes that empower them to become responsible road users.”

Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) William Mkonda, Head of the Tanzanian Traffic Police Force, commended Puma Energy Tanzania for its efforts in road safety education. 

“Children attending schools near roads are particularly at risk. We appreciate this initiative and will continue collaborating with Puma Energy to expand the reach of this campaign across the country. We also urge other companies to join in promoting road safety, as the success of their businesses depends on the health and well-being of the communities they serve.”

Through fun interactive activities, the programme teaches children about road safety and encourage them to spread the message throughout their communities. One of the highlights of this programme is the ‘Kids Court’, where children get to play the role of ‘road safety judges’ and help hold drivers accountable for their actions. 

Puma Energy Tanzania and Amend Tanzania are working with other local partners, including safety councils and police, to make the campaign a success. 

The first phase of Be Road Safe Africa, implemented in 2023 and 2024, reached over 38,000 children across 20 schools in Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The second phase is being rolled out in Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.