A delegation from the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), composed of its Secretary-General, Mr. Arezki Mezhoud, and its Permanent Representative to the International Labour Organization (ILO), Mr. Abdoulaye Lelouma Diallo, was received by the Director of ACTRAV, Mr. Oliver Röpke in his office at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG) on 9th June 2026, on the sidelines of the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC).
The meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to exchange views on future prospects for cooperation between OATUU and ACTRAV, with particular emphasis on strengthening the capacities of African trade union organisations. During the discussions, the Director of ACTRAV reaffirmed his commitment to further enhancing this cooperation through the development of training programmes, technical assistance and support initiatives aimed at empowering African trade unions to better address current economic and social challenges.
The meeting also addressed the challenges and difficulties currently facing the International Labour Organization in a context marked by multiple institutional and financial constraints. In this regard, the Director of ACTRAV stressed the importance of the mobilisation and active engagement of the ILO’s tripartite constituents in safeguarding the Organization’s essential role in promoting social justice and social dialogue worldwide.
Speaking on the occasion, OATUU Secretary-General expressed his sincere gratitude to the Director of ACTRAV for his warm welcome and availability, praising the longstanding and fruitful partnership between the two institutions.He emphasised that strengthening the capacities of African trade union organisations remains a strategic priority for OATUU and welcomed ACTRAV’s renewed commitment to supporting this objective.
Referring to the profound transformations taking place in the world of work, Mr. Mezhoud also called on the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference to work towards the adoption of an international convention to protect workers on digital labour platforms. He stressed that such an international instrument has become essential to guarantee these workers fundamental rights, decent working conditions, effective social protection, and the full enjoyment of freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.
The OATUU delegation finally reaffirmed its determination to further deepen its cooperation with ACTRAV in order to contribute to strengthening the African trade union movement and advancing decent work for all across the continent.
