2026 Goat races target 250m/- for students’ scholarships

DAR ES SALAAM: ORGANISERS of the Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam Oyster Bay Goat Races have unveiled ambitious plans to raise 250m/- to expand scholarship opportunities for needy Tanzanian students pursuing higher education.

The annual charity and social event will take place on September 19, 2026, at the Kijitonyama Postal Grounds following a change of venue from Oyster Bay.

Speaking during a press conference in Dar es Salaam, President of the Rotary Club of Oysterbay, Philippe Demoulin, said the relocation was necessitated by football activities scheduled at the traditional venue in Oyster Bay.

“We are moving to bigger grounds that are easier to access and familiar to many residents. We are excited about this new opportunity and look forward to hosting another successful edition of the Goat Races,” he said.

He said that the goat races, first launched in 2018, have grown into one of Dar es Salaam’s most recognized social and fundraising events, attracting hundreds of participants annually.

“Apart from entertainment and social networking, the event serves as a major fundraising platform for community projects, particularly scholarships for Tanzanian university and vocational students from underprivileged backgrounds.

Philipp explained that the scholarship program has recorded remarkable growth over the past few years.

“In 2023, we supported 26 students, the number increased to 43 in 2024, and in 2025, we reached 92 students until no we already supported 400 students. This growth shows the increasing demand and the impact the program continues to make,” he noted.

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He expressed that the selection of beneficiaries is based on academic performance and financial need, aiming to assist talented students facing economic challenges in pursuing their education.

“Last year’s goat races raised a net amount of about  158m/- after expenses, funds which were channelled towards supporting students’ tuition and other educational needs. Now, we hope to increase the amount to  250m/- this year to enable more young Tanzanians to access higher education opportunities.