A high-level delegation from the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) was officially received at the headquarters of the International Labour Office (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland by the newly appointed Director of the Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV), Mr. Oliver Röpke. The meeting marked an important milestone in deepening cooperation between ACTRAV and African trade union organisations.

The OATUU delegation, comprising its President, Dr. Francis Atwoli, Secretary-General Mr. Arezki Mezhoud, and its Permanent Representative to the ILO in Geneva, Mr. Abdoulaye Lelouma Diallo, congratulated the new Director on his appointment and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with ACTRAV in promoting fundamental labour rights across the African continent.

During the discussions, both parties highlighted the urgent need to scale up cooperation programmes, reinforce social dialogue, and support workers’ organisations as they navigate profound changes in the global labour market. They also emphasised the growing importance of coordinated efforts to protect workers in an era marked by economic transitions, digital transformation and evolving forms of employment.

Mr. Röpke underscored the strategic role played by OATUU in defending the rights and interests of African workers. He reiterated ACTRAV’s continued commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving working conditions, combating precarious employment and strengthening trade union freedoms.

The meeting also addressed key priorities such as strengthening trade union capacity-building, expanding training programmes on just transition, the informal economy and social protection, and advancing the promotion of international labour standards throughout Africa.

At the close of the meeting, both sides expressed their satisfaction with the outcomes of the discussion and reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining a constructive, results-oriented partnership for the benefit of African workers.