By Nokuthula Khwela
Under the blazing Tanzanian sun, Morogoro roared to life with engines, adrenaline, and cheers from motorsport fans across Africa. For the first time, Timeless Trends Magazine flew in from South Africa to witness this electrifying spectacle, the Mkwawa Rally of Tanzania, an event that is fast becoming a symbol of ambition, opportunity, and African excellence.
A Continental Stage for Tanzanian Motorsport
The 2025 Mkwawa Rally drew 23 drivers from Tanzania and across Africa, including Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, and India. It served as the final round of the African Rally Championship (ARC), with the continental title decided on Tanzanian soil for the first time.
Among the high-octane performances, Tanzania secured a historic third-place finish, with Ahmed Huwel and co-driver Viljem Ošlaj from Slovenia completing the rally in 4 minutes and 46 seconds behind first place.
Podium results:
- Karan Patel and Tauseef Khan from Kenya, Škoda Fabia R5 RC2, time 1 hour 45 minutes 5.9 seconds
- Samman Vohra and Drew Sturrock from Kenya, 14.5 seconds behind first place
- Ahmed Huwel and Viljem Ošlaj from Tanzania and Slovenia, 4 minutes 46 seconds behind first place
Meanwhile, Yasin Nasser and Ali Katumba from Uganda finished fourth in the rally but became overall ARC 2025 champions due to accumulated points throughout the season.
The Visionary Behind the Rally
If the Mkwawa Rally is an integral part of Ahmed Huwel’s life, then Huwel is its heartbeat. A businessman, sports enthusiast, and Iringa-hailed native, Huwel has transformed a local dream into reality.
Through his portfolio including Mkwawa Tobacco Processors Limited, Mkwawa Water, Mkwawa Hunting, Mkwawa Free Zone Dry Port, Pathfinder, Safari Hauliers, Mateak, Mkwawa Construction, Jambo Aviation, Fertleaf Mkwawa Leaf International Dubai, and Mkwawa Leaf Tobacco Limited, he has employed over 8,000 people.
His ongoing state-of-the-art project, Serengeti Cigarette Company, is set to create up to 12,000 jobs and boost tobacco production from 184,000 metric tonnes to over 200,000 metric tonnes annually. Through these initiatives, the Mkwawa Group of Companies is positioning Tanzania as a tobacco processing and cigarette manufacturing hub in the East African Community, anchored by a Morogoro-based Economic Processing Zone.
Ahmed Huwel Speaks: Tanzania on the Global Stage
Ahmed Huwel emphasized the significance of hosting the rally in Tanzania:
“Tanzania had the honor of hosting Africa’s 2025 rally, and we used it to make history. The world can now see our capabilities, especially since previous events were in Kenya and Rwanda. Tanzania has now demonstrated top-level organization.
Safety, route preparation, and all essential services were of high standards. The government gave us full support, and we have many skilled drivers competing.”
He also highlighted the potential for Tanzania to host future global motorsport events:
“This is a major opportunity to bring future world championships here. My goal was to showcase Africa’s champions and let people see Tanzania’s capabilities. We also see how the Mkwawa brand can unite communities, especially as our country has excelled in marathons and running events.”
Government official Malima added:
“Next year, it should be bigger and continue to promote Morogoro.”
Racing, Tourism, and Community Development
The rally routes showcased Morogoro’s stunning landscapes, from lush plantations to rolling sisal farms, giving fans a taste of Tanzania’s natural beauty. The Tanzania Forest Services partnered to combine motorsport excitement with conservation awareness.
Local businesses including hotels, lodges, restaurants, and artisan markets benefited from the influx of visitors, while media coverage put Morogoro on the map as a hub for tourism, sports, and economic growth.
A Future Full of Possibilities
The 2025 Mkwawa Rally is proof that Tanzania has arrived on the continental motorsport stage. Organizers hope to attract South African drivers and more international competitors, raising the stakes and celebrating African talent globally.
For Ahmed Huwel, this is just the beginning. With continued investment in motorsport, infrastructure, and talent development, Morogoro could soon rival Africa’s most competitive motorsport hubs, a testament to vision, ambition, and relentless drive.
Timeless Trends on the Ground
From the high-octane action to Ahmed Huwel’s visionary leadership, the Mkwawa Rally embodies ambition, innovation, and African excellence.
Timeless Trends Magazine was honored to cover this landmark event, witnessing firsthand the rise of Tanzania as a new motorsport destination. Flying in from South Africa, we left with engines still roaring in our minds and a hopeful vision for the future: more South African drivers, more international competitors, and a continent united by speed, skill, and ambition.
For more adrenaline-fueled action from the rally, watch our reel and experience the full thrill of the Mkwawa Rally
