Togo hosts national finals of OHADA’s genius competition 2026

On May 30, 2026, Lomé’s University Auditorium became the stage for the national finale of the 17th edition of the International Genius Competition OHADA (CIGHO). The event, co-organized by the National OHADA Genius Competition Coordination in Togo and the International Association of Law Students—Togo branch (AIEJ-TOGO), marked the culmination of preliminary rounds held simultaneously in Lomé and Kara on April 25, 2026.

The ceremony began with opening remarks from the Master of Ceremonies, Me Pirénam BLANDE, former President of AIEJ-TOGO. This was followed by keynote speeches from National Coordinator Me Messifa Komlan KONALI, Magistrate, Mr. Saturnin Sassou A. AGBLO-NOAMESSI, Division Head at the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR) and event partner, and Dr. Têko Seyram Godwin AMENYINU, Project Manager of the 17th edition and a Private Law Doctor and Attorney. These addresses paved the way for the written examination phase.

Under the guidance of National Coordinator Me Messifa Komlan KONALI, the ten finalists—representing the University of Lomé (UL), the University of Kara (UK), and the Higher Institute of Law and Interpreting (ISDI)—faced a rigorous assessment. The challenges included a Multiple-Choice Questionnaire (QCM), African Integration Questions (QIA), “Who Am I?”, and an oral advocacy exercise.

Following the written tests and a performance by slam poet MERCY, the finalists delivered 10-minute advocacy presentations on the topic: “Can tax law be integrated into OHADA’s material scope of competence?” The distinguished jury panel consisted of:

• Pr Edem AVEGNON, Private Law Professor and Researcher at the University of Lomé Faculty of Law, Tax Law Expert: Jury President;
• Ms. Afeignidou BILABINA, Magistrate and Deputy Prosecutor at the Notsè Republic Court: Member;
• Me Sidick K. AKATA, Trainee Attorney at the Togolese Bar and 2025 Monferrier Dorval International Oratory Competition finalist: Member;
• Dr. Godwin Disseyi PALOUKI, Tax Inspector and 2018 CIGHO Best Thesis Award winner (Abidjan): Member;
• Ms. Rahile MIJIYAWA, Legal Advisor, Technical Advisor at an international cooperation organization, 2021 CIGHO Best Advocate and 2021 Rebecca Kouakou Award winner (N’Djamena): Member.

After tallying scores from both written and oral rounds, the top three finalists emerged:

• 1st place: Ms. Atsoupi Ama NEGLO, Bachelor’s Degree in Public Law from the University of Kara;
• 2nd place: Mr. Francis Koffi FIA, Bachelor’s Degree in Private Law student at the University of Lomé;
• 3rd place: Mr. Edoé F. Ulrich MENSAH-GAFAN AKOVI, Master’s student in Digital Law & Data Protection at ISDI.

The trio, set to represent Togo at the international finals, will undergo specialized training led by a coaching team of former laureates: Me Koamivi AGBAH, Mr. Obed Adjévi NEGLOKPE, and Mr. Bilal BABA DARO.

The awards ceremony concluded with a photo session and refreshments. Gratitude was expressed to all partners, including the Togolese Revenue Office for financial support, the University of Lomé for institutional backing, the African Union for Legal Harmonization (UNIDA)—represented by Me Têko Seyram Godwin AMENYINU, who provided candidates with OHADA codes and legal resources—and esteemed legal professionals such as the Presidents of the Lomé Court of First Instance and Commercial Court, notarial offices, and private law firms for their contributions.

Special thanks were also extended to the jury for their rigorous evaluations, to AIEJ-TOGO’s leadership—particularly President Marie-Claire Egnonam AVLA—and to the OHADA Club of the University of Kara, represented by Ms. Alika AYEBA and Mr. Assiki GNASSINGBE, for their pivotal roles in ensuring the success of the national preselections.

Mark your calendars: the international finals will take place from September 12 to 19, 2026, right here in Lomé, the heart of Togo.

For further inquiries, please contact:

Me Messifa Komlan KONALI, Magistrate and National Coordinator of the OHADA Genius Competition, 2012 CIGHO laureate (Abidjan)
Phone: +228 92 62 49 52
Email: [email protected]