Rotary Urged To Prioritise Lasting Partnerships In West Africa

Writer Ehi Braimah has called on Rotary clubs across West Africa to prioritise lasting partnerships over short-term projects as the region prepares for the 2026 West Africa Project Fair.

The Fair, hosted by Rotary International Districts 9111 and 9112, is scheduled to hold from November 10 to 17 at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

It will be flagged off by Rotary International President Olayinka Babalola and is expected to draw clubs, Rotarians, Rotaractors and international partners from nine districts across the region.

Braimah noted that the theme, “Partnerships for Lasting Impact,” reflects a shift from simply launching projects to ensuring that interventions continue to serve communities long after commissioning.

He argued that many development challenges in West Africa — including healthcare, education, water, sanitation, food security and environmental issues — transcend national borders and require collaborative solutions.

According to him, a common weakness in development work is the “project mentality,” where attention focuses on starting and completing initiatives rather than guaranteeing their long-term usefulness.

Braimah stressed that true partnerships go beyond sponsorship. They involve shared responsibility, technical expertise, institutional support, monitoring and local ownership.

He said the Project Fair offers a marketplace for clubs seeking funding or technical help to connect with partners who can provide resources, knowledge or institutional backing.

The column concluded that lasting impact is achieved when Rotary’s community presence is combined with the strengths of governments, businesses and development organisations, creating solutions that communities can sustain.