A strategic meeting between the African Consumers Organization (OAC) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva

 On November 26, 2025, the Chairman of the Board of the African Consumers Organization (OAC), Mr. Daouda Elhadj Adam, took advantage of a stay in Geneva to hold a working session with two senior officials from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Despite the absence of many high-level officials engaged in the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25) in Baku, the exchanges were conducted in a cordial and constructive spirit.

During this meeting, Ms. Carmel Pardro and Ms. Nancy Sundberg, program managers for the "Regulatory and Commercial Environment" program at the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT), received a detailed presentation of the OAC. The organization’s history, objectives, vision, and strategies were outlined, with a particular focus on the major conclusions from the 2nd Pan-African Consumer Forum.

The Chairman of the OAC emphasized the key challenges to be addressed in the telecommunications sector in Africa, stressing the importance of digital connectivity. He advocated for strengthening the capacities of OAC members and increasing the organization’s involvement in ITU activities to ensure that the perspectives of African consumer associations are considered in international processes.

The ITU delegation acknowledged the relevance of the actions led by the OAC and expressed readiness to collaborate. Several agreements in principle were defined during the meeting, including establishing links between the OAC and the competent ITU services at headquarters and regional offices, as well as co-organizing webinars aimed at capacity building.

Reciprocal participation in forums and events also constitutes a strong pillar of this emerging cooperation, with the ITU set to participate in the next Pan-African Forum organized by the OAC, and the OAC engaging in ITU-led events.

These measures demonstrate the shared commitment of both institutions to working together to amplify the voice of African consumers in the telecommunications sector, a rapidly evolving and crucial sector for the continent’s economic and social development.

This first meeting marks the beginning of a fruitful and promising collaboration between the OAC and the International Telecommunication Union.
This step represents a significant advance in the OAC’s mission to defend the rights of African consumers in a strategic sector that fosters inclusion and digital innovation.