Rotary Africa opens 2025 Regional Team Learning Seminar in Accra

Rotary Zone 22 (Africa) has launched its 2025 Regional Team Learning Seminar (RTLS) in Accra, Ghana.

The opening ceremony was held on Thursday, May 8, at the Tang Palace Hotel. Rotary leaders from across Africa gathered to prepare for the new Rotary year.

This three-day seminar is a key leadership and certification program. It includes representatives from all three regions of Zone 22: Francophone Africa, West and North Africa, and East and Southern Africa.

This year's seminar is significant as it coincides with the visit of Rotary International President-Elect Mário César Martins de Camargo to Ghana.

Lead Facilitator Ahmed Saada provided an overview of the training structure. He expressed excitement about the upcoming days and outlined what participants can expect.

“It’s always great to be here,” he said. “Thank you for this opportunity in our great zone.”

Saada noted that there are 22 districts and 54 countries involved. The seminar will feature hands-on workshops on online tools and resources.

Participants will learn how to navigate the Rotary International website effectively.

The seminar includes ten general sessions and fifteen breakout sessions. Topics will cover Rotary’s action plan, regional goals, and practical tools for club development.

Rotary District 9104 Governor Maame Hagan welcomed participants warmly. She expressed delight in hosting them in Accra, which she called "the gateway to Africa."

“We are a family of change makers,” she said. “We are united by practice, not borders.”

Hagan emphasized that this learning seminar is more than just a seminar; it’s a fellowship celebrating leadership and unity.

She encouraged delegates to embrace both learning and Ghana's culture during their stay.

Trustee of the Rotary Foundation Ijeoma Pearl Okoro delivered an impactful opening speech. She highlighted the importance of Rotary's work in today's divided world.

“Rotarians are needed now more than ever,” she stated. “Unity is essential for our purpose.”

Okoro praised the program's energy and stressed that learning should be engaging.

“Make new friends,” she advised, adding that music can help reinforce learning.

Zone 22 Director Daniel Tanese commended both organizers and participants. He reminded everyone that success depends on applying what they learn.

“This seminar provides tools, insights, and energy for effective leadership,” he said.

Tanese thanked President-Elect Mario for his commitment to Africa during his month-long tour of the continent.

The seminar continues through the weekend with interactive sessions focused on leadership development. It aims to prepare African Rotary leaders for the upcoming 2025–2026 year with renewed focus.

In his keynote address, President-Elect Mário César Martins de Camargo urged leaders to grow membership intentionally.

“Start planning early if you want results,” he advised participants about their legacy in Rotary.

He acknowledged Rotary's ongoing struggle with declining membership numbers.

“It bothers me that we treat membership as a given,” he said, calling it both a challenge and an asset.

De Camargo warned against complacency regarding membership loss each year.

“We must react; losing thousands annually is unacceptable,” he stressed urgently.

He emphasized that growing membership must be intentional and immediate: “Membership is my top priority.”

Beyond numbers, he spoke about unity within Rotary’s values since its founding in 1905.

“In a divided world, we unite instead of divide,” he concluded passionately about Service Above Self principles.

De Camargo challenged participants by stating they are vital to Rotary's success: “If you’re not here, everything collapses.”

He encouraged them not only to recruit more Rotarians but also to keep them happy so they can contribute further.