15th Freemasons' Conference – Zanzibar

28th–30th September 2023 · Sea Cliff Spa and Resort, Zanzibar

The Sea Cliff Spa and Resort on the island of Zanzibar hosted the 15th Freemasons' Conference from 28th to 30th September 2023. It was the first time in the history of the conferences that the event was held at this location.

Zanzibar provided a particularly significant setting for the conference. Freemasonry in East Africa traces its beginnings to the island, where Lodge East Africa No. 3007 was consecrated in 1904 under the United Grand Lodge of England. The location therefore offered an opportunity to reflect on an important chapter in the history of Freemasonry in the region.

The three-day conference placed a strong emphasis on fellowship and family bonding, complemented by a half-day academic programme featuring presentations on Lodge development, candidate preparation, member support, and engagement.

The academic programme covered the following topics:

• The Learning & Development Initiative – Shreekesh Shah
• Prospective Candidate for Interview & Interviewing an Applicant – Geoffrey Radier
• Preparing the Candidate for Initiation & Supporting the New Freemason – Sundip Chotai
• How to Make Lodge Meetings More Interesting – Tiny Ghataura
• The Members' Pathway Reconfigured – Karim Teja

13th Freemasons' Conference – Nairobi, Kenya

28th–29th September 2018 · Trademark Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya

Hosted by the District Grand Lodge of East Africa, the 13th Freemasons' Conference brought together more than 300 participants in Nairobi, with representatives from Masonic Districts and jurisdictions across Africa and beyond.

The conference featured the introduction of the UGLE Members' Pathway to several Districts. W Bro Michael Baker, Grand Lodge's Director of Communications, presented on the Members' Pathway, while W Bro Lister Park, Grand Lodge's Districts Liaison Officer, delivered a presentation on Secretarial Support.

Participants included District Grand Masters and members from East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and the Seychelles, as well as representatives from Nigeria, Sierra Leone and The Gambia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Members from the Orange Free State, South Africa Eastern Division, South Africa Northern Division and South Africa Western Division also attended, together with representatives from the Irish, Scottish and Indian Constitutions.

The conference was followed by a Grand Ball attended by more than 400 Freemasons and their partners. RW Bro Dr Virendra K. Talwar, District Grand Master of East Africa, welcomed the Members' Pathway initiative and highlighted its significance for the growth and development of Freemasonry in the region and worldwide.

The following day, the conference was followed by the Half-Yearly Communication of the District Grand Lodge of East Africa, where W Bro Michael Baker delivered a presentation on “Solomon – A Virtual Learning Environment.”

12th Freemasons' Conference – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

18th–21st September 2014 · White Sands Hotel & Resort, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The 12th Freemasons' Conference was held from 18th to 21st September 2014 at the White Sands Hotel & Resort in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The conference was sponsored by the District Grand Lodge of East Africa and brought together 320 participants for a programme of presentations addressing Freemasonry, its development, its relevance, and its charitable work in Africa.

The conference was chaired by W Bro William Lore, PDSGW, DGOrator, with W Bro Suryakant D Ramji, PDSGW, serving as Organising Chairman and Bro Alpesh Sanghvi as Secretary.

The programme featured presentations from senior Masonic representatives and speakers covering a broad range of subjects, including the development of Freemasonry, its place in the modern world, its history, and charitable initiatives across the region.

Papers presented at the conference included:

• Address – R W Bro Nigel Brown, PJGW, Grand Secretary
• So That the World May Know – W Bro Robert D T Sillett, MBE, PJGD, Prestonian Lecturer – 2008
• Keeping Masonry Relevant in the 21st Century – W Bro Karim H Teja, DGStwd
• Anti-Masonry in Central Eastern Europe During the 20th Century – Challenges of the Past and Today's Answers – MW Bro Catalin Turliuc, Pro Grand Master, National Grand Lodge of Romania
• Freemasonry in Africa – An Overview – RW Bro Pierre Malan, DGM South Africa (Eastern Division)
• We Care – W Bro Harilal J Nathwani, PGStB, DGS
• Babla Diani Secondary School – W Bro Harish D Rupani, PAGDC, PADGM
• Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped – W Bro Paul Cockerill, PDSGW
• Kunduchi Health Centre – W Bro Suryakant D Ramji, PDSGW

11th Freemasons' Conference – Mombasa, Kenya

20th–23rd September 2012 · Leisure Lodge, Mombasa, Kenya

The 11th Freemasons' Conference was held from 20th to 23rd September 2012 at Leisure Lodge in Mombasa, Kenya. Sponsored by the District Grand Lodge of East Africa, the conference brought together 413 participants for a programme addressing the future of Freemasonry, its heritage in East Africa, its relationship with society, and the development of its members.

The conference was chaired by W Bro William Lore, PDSGW, DGOrator, with W Bro Bimal R Kantaria, PDSGW, serving as Organising Chairman and W Bro Mayur Patel, PDGPurs, as Secretary.

Papers presented during the conference covered a range of subjects relating to the development and future of Freemasonry, its history in East Africa, membership, mentoring, and charitable work.

The programme included:

• Current Initiatives to Ensure the Future of Freemasonry – V W Bro Nigel Brown, PGSwdB, Grand Secretary
• Our Masonic Heritage – Development of Freemasonry in East Africa – W Bro Biharial Tanna, PJGD, PAGDC (RA)
• Freemasonry and Society in Modern Romania – MW Bro Catalin Turliuc, Pro Grand Master, National Grand Lodge of Romania
• Real Men Wear Aprons – W Bro Robert D T Sillett, PJGD, Prestonian Lecturer – 2008
• Babla Diani Secondary School – W Bro Narendra L Acharya, PGStB
• Mentoring Scheme – W Bro Sundip H Chotai, DGMentor