Rotary leaders from 54 African countries converged in Accra for the 2025 Regional Team Learning Seminar, charting a course for unity, growth, and improved service delivery across the continent
[dropcap]R[/dropcap]otary leaders from across Africa gathered in Accra for the 2025 Regional Team Learning Seminar (RTLS), a pivotal annual event focused on leadership training, service delivery, and growing Rotary’s impact across the continent.
Speaking at the opening on Thursday, May 8, Trustee of the Rotary Foundation, Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, described the seminar as a crucial gathering of regional leaders representing foundation efforts, membership development, and public image advancement.
“Every year, we gather together in one country to train them for the services ahead,” she explained.
“From the 54 countries that make up our zone, we have it annually. Last year was Ethiopia. Africa has been growing every year, and we keep improving.”
She added that the presence of Rotary International’s President-Elect, Mário César Martins de Camargo, who assumes office on July 1, adds significance to this year’s training.
“He’s here to share his vision and strategies, and that will be the main force of our training.”
In his remarks, Mr. Camargo emphasised the seminar’s theme, Unite for Good, as a call for inclusive collaboration.
“It’s a call for action to find common ground where most people find differences. We are all the same race. We all belong to the human race,” he said.
He stressed the need for unity despite differences in geography, culture, religion, or age. “You can either end up in a fight or with a negotiated solution. When you unite people around a common objective, you’re uniting for good.”
Addressing Rotary’s global membership challenge, he said, “Rotary loses 150,000 members every year. If your club isn’t welcoming or attractive, people will leave. We must create clubs that suit the next generation; satellite clubs, corporate clubs, cause-based clubs.”
Rotary International Director, Daniel Tanase, praised Africa’s success in growing membership.
“Zone 22 has the greatest net increase in membership across all 34 zones. Africa is doing well, but we expect the growth to accelerate,” he said.
He urged African clubs to collaborate with international counterparts for greater project impact.
“Rotary clubs in Africa are not alone. They can partner with clubs around the world to gain support and amplify their community impact.”
Rotary Director Nominee for 2025–2026, Emmanuel Katongole, shared his excitement about the event’s training sessions and Africa’s prospects.
“Africa has never been better. With 1.5 billion people; 65% of them under 35, we’re sitting on a huge opportunity.”
He set an ambitious target: “Our goal is to increase membership from 46,000 to 60,000 by next year. These coordinators will drive that vision.”
The seminar continues with sessions designed to shape Rotary’s future in Africa, focusing on growth, impact, and unity through service.
Additional report: https://www.myjoyonline.com/
Source: Read more at vanguardngr.com
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