Rotary leaders share vision of growth and inclusion at 2025 Regional Team Learning Seminar

Rotary leaders from Africa gathered in Accra for the 2025 Regional Team Learning Seminar (RTLS). This annual event aims to strengthen leadership and improve service delivery across the continent.

At the opening on Thursday, May 8, Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, a Trustee of the Rotary Foundation, explained the seminar's purpose. She said, “It's a Regional Team Learning Seminar. The people here are called Regional Leaders.”

“Every year, we gather in one country to train them for future services,” she continued. Participants include representatives from the foundation, membership, and public image sectors. “We unite to learn how to advance Africa and our brotherhood.”

Okoro emphasized that this seminar occurs annually in different African countries. “We hold it every year across our 54 countries,” she noted. Last year’s seminar took place in Ethiopia. “Africa is growing each year; we aim for progress, not competition.”

She expressed excitement about Rotary International's President-Elect Mário César Martins de Camargo attending. He will take office on July 1 and share his vision during the seminar.

President-Elect Mário de Camargo spoke on the theme “Unite for Good.” He described it as a call for unity amid diversity. “It’s about finding common ground despite our differences,” he said.

He acknowledged various separations among people but insisted they should not divide us. “We have different cultures and religions... But that’s no excuse to divide.”

Camargo encouraged respectful discussions and compromise during conversations. “You can either fight or negotiate solutions,” he stated.

He also addressed Rotary's challenge with member retention. “Rotary loses 150,000 members each year,” he said. He stressed improving club environments to retain members.

“If your club isn’t welcoming or attractive, members will leave,” he warned. He suggested creating new clubs for younger generations and shared interests.

“Form satellite clubs or cause-based clubs tailored to younger people,” he advised.

Rotary International Director Daniel Tanase highlighted the seminar's importance as well. He met with regional leaders responsible for membership and public image issues.

“This event addresses pressing challenges within Rotary,” he noted while praising Africa’s membership growth.

“Zone 22 has seen the greatest net increase in membership among all zones,” Tanase reported. He encouraged African clubs to connect globally for greater impact.

“Clubs from Africa can collaborate with others worldwide for support,” he added.

Emmanuel Katongole, Rotary Director Nominee for 2025–2026, expressed enthusiasm about training sessions too. “Regional leaders must learn every year; it’s essential.”

He highlighted Africa’s potential due to its young population of 1.5 billion people—65% are under 35 years old.

Looking ahead, Katongole shared a membership target: adding another 15,000 Rotarians next year. This would raise Africa's total from 46,000 to 60,000 members.

The seminar aims to conclude with strategies focused on expanding Rotary’s presence and enhancing community impact across Africa.