Airtel Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to employee wellness, community development and environmental conservation by partnering with the Great Ruaha Marathon 2026 as the event’s Official Telecommunications Partner.
Held inside Ruaha National Park, the annual marathon has evolved into one of Tanzania’s most distinctive sporting events, combining athletics with tourism promotion and conservation of the Great Ruaha River ecosystem.
Speaking during the event, Prosper Mafole, network director said the company’s participation reflected a broader commitment to creating positive social impact beyond its core telecommunications business.
“At Airtel, we believe the strongest connections are not only made through our network. They are built through people, shared experiences and communities coming together around a common purpose,” he said.
“That is why we are grateful to support the Great Ruaha Marathon. It reflects the values we stand for as a company, promoting healthy lifestyles, supporting communities and contributing to initiatives that create lasting impact.”
The company fielded 20 employees in the marathon, including three members of its Executive Committee, a move the HR Director said demonstrated Airtel’s commitment to leading by example on employee health and well-being.
“As a company, we believe healthy people build stronger teams, stronger teams build stronger businesses, and stronger businesses make a greater contribution to society,” the HR Director said.
“Leadership is not only demonstrated in boardrooms. It is also about showing up, participating alongside your colleagues and inspiring others through action.”
Airtel said it continues to invest in employee wellness programmes that encourage physical fitness, mental well-being and work-life balance, viewing healthy employees as essential to delivering better customer service and driving business performance.
Every day, Airtel connects millions of Tanzanians through voice, data, home broadband and Airtel Money services, while continuing to expand network coverage to improve digital access across the country.
“Connectivity is ultimately about creating opportunities,” the HR Director said. “Whether it is a student attending an online class, a farmer receiving payments through Airtel Money, a family staying in touch, or a small business growing through digital services, every connection has the power to improve lives.”
Beyond sport, the Great Ruaha Marathon has become an important platform for promoting sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.
Addressing participants before the race, she encouraged runners to view the marathon as more than a competition.
“Whether you cross the finish line first or last is not what will define today,” the HR Director said. “What matters is that you chose to invest in your health, support conservation and be part of a movement that is making a positive difference.”
The Great Ruaha Marathon has become one of several sporting events attracting increasing corporate support in Tanzania as companies seek to align their brands with wellness, sustainable tourism and environmental conservation while deepening engagement with local communities.
