The first edition of the Consumer Forum and Night, organized by the Martin Luther King Movement (MMLK), took place in Lomé, Togo, on October 29-30, 2026. The event brought together consumers, consumer rights organizations, essential service providers, and regulators to establish a direct dialogue between stakeholders often faced with misunderstandings. The initiative aimed to restore trust between consumers and essential service providers in Togo.
The forum addressed concerns related to access and quality of essential services, including water, electricity, and internet. The uniqueness of the event lay in the opportunity for consumers and operators to communicate directly under the arbitration of regulatory institutions. MMLK President Edoh Komi expressed satisfaction with the event's outcome, highlighting the importance of dialogue between stakeholders.
According to Edoh Komi, the event helped break down certain misunderstandings and create a space for trust. He described the experience as "a test run, but also a masterstroke," given the initial apprehensions surrounding the organization. Komi also welcomed the availability of operators and public participation, emphasizing that consumers and operators should be seen as partners, not adversaries.
A charter was developed and presented to concerned parties to formalize the relationships between consumers, operators, and regulators. The charter aims to define the commitments, duties, and responsibilities of each actor to promote more transparent and balanced relationships. The content will be subject to amendments before its final adoption.
Edoh Komi emphasized that the charter should become a reference instrument for all parties to conform to. The MMLK plans to make the event a recurring one, with the second edition expected to expand discussions to all sectors of consumption, including banking, insurance, transportation, and food products.
The second edition aims to make the initiative a permanent framework for consultation and defense of consumer interests. The MMLK is pleased to have taken the first step in building a dialogue between consumers, operators, and regulators. The event's success has set the stage for a more extensive and ambitious second edition.
The Consumer Forum and Night has laid the groundwork for a sustainable dialogue between stakeholders in Togo's consumer landscape. The MMLK's initiative has shown that dialogue is possible, and the organization is committed to playing a mediator role between actors who often have built barriers of mistrust.
Key points
- The event brought together consumers, service providers, and regulators to establish a direct dialogue.
- A charter was developed to formalize relationships between consumers, operators, and regulators.
- The second edition of the forum will expand discussions to all sectors of consumption.
