The development of tennis officiating in Africa took a major step forward in 2025 with the successful organization of three officiating schools across the continent: in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), Mohammedia (Morocco), and Windhoek (Namibia). These programs, led by experienced ITF instructors and supported by national tennis federations, contributed to the growth of a new generation of certified officials.

The second ITF White Badge Officiating School in Africa for 2025 was held in Abidjan from 23 to 27 April. Organized by the Fédération Ivoirienne de Tennis, this school focused exclusively on the Referee module and brought together 14 participants from 8 African countries. Twelve officials successfully passed the course and earned their ITF White Badge certification. Notably, this session welcomed participants from Eritrea and Rwanda who had been unable to attend earlier sessions. The course was conducted by ITF instructors Alison Lang (GBR) and Vuk Nicolic (SRB). The newly certified White Badge Referees are: Assouan Komla Eric David (CIV), Boughaba Meriem (TUN), Dahi Mahmoud (EGY), Danjuma Bitrus (NGR), Edili Joseph (NGR), Hizem Mohamed Moataz (TUN), Ismael Ahmed (EGY), Kolsi Akram (TUN), Lag Rachid (MAR), Ngurusu Desire (RWA), Ogunshola Folashade (NGR), and Tesfayesus Senai (ERI).

In Mohammedia, Morocco, the first ITF Green Badge Officiating School of the year took place from 23 to 27 April. Hosted by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Tennis, the school welcomed 11 participants from 3 countries and focused on the Chair Umpire module. Eight officials successfully earned their ITF Green Badge certification. The school was led by ITF instructors Anis Ressaissi (TUN), Damien Dumusois (FRA), and Emna Cassimon Chahed (FRA). The newly certified Green Badge Chair Umpires are: Bachtobji Souha (TUN), Ben Ghaouia Neder (TUN), Brahem Yassine (TUN), Chikh Bled Sihem (ALG), Fetni Fakiheddine (TUN), Gam Sirine (TUN), Kajam Naima (MAR), and Ziad Abdelouahed (MAR).

In Southern Africa, the Namibia National Officiating School was held in Windhoek from 16 to 19 April. Organized by the Namibia Tennis Association, this course focused on the General Officiating Module and attracted 23 participants, including 8 female officials, a strong commitment to gender inclusion in tennis officiating.

Led by instructor Gaone Poane (BOT), the course covered topics such as Introduction to Officiating, Rules of Tennis, Line Umpiring, and Chair Umpiring. The participants also received practical training during the ongoing ITF WTT Junior events in Windhoek. 

These Schools represents a crucial step forward in the development of tennis officiating in Africa. It equips local officials with knowledge and practical skills needed to support both national and international events. Additionally, it strengthens the capacity of National Associations to independently officiate and host professional tennis competitions promoting sustainability, self-reliance, and contributing to a clear career pathway for aspiring officials, one of the main objectives for Africa officiating Strategy.