LocationsTwende Bima Insurance Solution: Integrating Inclusive Insurance into Social Protection Services for Boda Boda Riders
April 17, 2026
In many African cities, boda boda riders form the backbone of urban mobility and last-mile delivery. Yet despite their critical role, most of these riders operate outside formal systems of insurance and social protection. They face daily risks such as road accidents, injuries, and health emergencies, without access to health insurance or long-term financial security. Twende Bima Insurance Solutions was created to change this reality.
The Vision Behind Twende Bima
Twende Bima is an innovative inclusive-insurance solution developed by Twende Technologies, led by Justin Kashagili, CEO and winner of the UNDP Insurance Innovation Challenge under the UNDP Insurance and and Risk Finance Facility. Twende Technologies operates a digital platform focused on parcel delivery and passenger transportation using motorcycle riders, commonly known as boda boda riders. The platform not only connects riders to customers, increasing their income, but also integrates insurance systems directly into their daily work. Recognizing that most boda boda riders cannot afford traditional insurance premiums, Twende Bima introduced a pay-per-ride micro-contribution model. Instead of paying large monthly premiums upfront, riders enrol by contributing amounts from every successful ride – for each ride , a rider contributes upto 200 TZS based on the type of enrollment as the most Boda riders do not have a regular income
How Twende Bima Works
Twende Bima Health Insurance offers two enrollment packages: TZS 30,000 and TZS 50,000. The TZS 30,000 package covers an individual rider, while the TZS 52,000 package provides coverage for a family of up to four members. From the selected package, 10% is deducted monthly and remitted to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), as a health insurance contribution. This creates a structured and accessible pathway for boda riders to obtain comprehensive social protection.
The coverage includes:
• Health insurance coverage
• Medical treatment in case of accidents or illness
• Long-term pension benefits
Under this model, riders contribute approximately 30,000 TZS per month for individual coverage or 52,000 TZS per month for family coverage, ensuring protection not only for themselves but also for their dependents. Continuous enrollment and contribution for 15 years qualify riders for lifetime pension benefits.
This innovative approach brings informal workers into a formal social security system an opportunity that has traditionally been out of reach for boda boda riders. With a fleet potential of over 10,000 motorcycle riders, Twende
Technologies identified health insurance as a critical entry point. Statistics show that nearly 98% of boda boda riders lack any form of health insurance, despite being highly exposed to accidents and occupational hazards. Health insurance is often perceived as expensive and inaccessible. Twende Bima eliminates this barrier by enabling gradual contributions aligned with rider’s daily earnings.
To date, 274 riders have already been successfully registered under the NSSF insurance scheme through Twende Bima Insurance Solution, with several beneficiaries already receiving medical care after accidents without paying out of pocket.
The impact of Twende Bima has been strengthened through UNDP’s Insurance Innovation Challenge, under the Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF). Through participation in the Innovation Challenge, Twende Bima received technical exposure, visibility, and innovation support, which enabled the solution to:
• Scale awareness among boda boda riders
• Strengthen riders education on insurance and long-term pension savings
• Reach over 100,000 boda boda riders who have expressed readiness to join the Twende Bima product
This support through the Innovation Challenge has played a critical role in positioning Twende Bima as a scalable, inclusive, and market-ready insurance and social protection solution for informal workers.
A beneficiary of Twende Bima Emanuely Nkuwi Omary
A Beneficiary’s Story: Emanuely Nkuwi Omary
One of the beneficiaries of Twende Bima is Emanuely Nkuwi Omary, a self-employed boda boda rider.
“My name is Emanuely Nkuwi Omary. I am a self-employed boda boda rider. I encourage my fellow riders to use Twende Bima Insurance because every day I contribute only about 1000 TZS .It creates a safe and secure environment that helps protect our lives.”
Emanuely’s story reflects the real-world impact of Twende Bima on the lives of informal workers . A few months ago, while heading out to begin his normal day’s work, he was involved in a serious road accident. “The biggest challenge I faced was a road accident. I sustained injuries to my legs, hand, and face. Because I had already enrolled in Twende Bima Insurance, I received full medical support throughout my hospital stay without paying a single penny. I was supposed to pay more than TZS 270,000, but the insurance covered everything directly with the hospital. I received the best care, and the medical team was very supportive.”
Currently, Emanuely contributes approximately 52,000 TZS per month, which provides insurance coverage insurance for himself and up to four family dependents. “Twende Bima allows me to contribute 10% percent every month through deduction from my enrollment package.This works well with the nature of my business, which is informal and does not depend on a regular income.I am guaranteed insurance whenever I face challenges , not only for me, but also for my family.”
Twende Bima is more than an insurance product, it is a pathway to dignity, security, and long-term financial stability for informal workers. By embedding insurance into daily economic activity, the solution removes traditional barriers to access and empowers riders to protect their health, their families, and their future. As more riders enroll and partnerships continue to grow, Twende Bima is setting a powerful example of how innovation, technology, and inclusive finance can work together to transform lives. Twende Bima proves that insurance can be accessible, affordable, and built around the realities of informal workers one ride at a time.
Related
content
content
