National Togo tributes for OHADA’s genius in legal minds contest

On Saturday, 30 May 2026, the Auditorium of the University of Lomé became the epicentre of legal brilliance as it hosted the national finals of the 17th edition of the International Genies in Herbe OHADA Contest (CIGHO). The event, co-organised by the National OHADA Genies in Herbe Coordination in Togo and the International Association of Law Students (AIEJ-Togo), drew a packed audience eager to witness the crème de la crème of Togolese legal talent.

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

Under the guidance of Mr Messifa Komlan KONALI, ten finalists from the University of Lomé, University of Kara and the Higher Institute of Law and Interpreting (ISDI) tackled a rigorous set of challenges: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ), African Integration Questions (QIA), “Who am I?”, and a compelling courtroom plea.

Following the written tests and a lively performance by slam poet MERCY, the finalists took to the floor for a ten-minute advocacy session on the critical question: “Can tax law be integrated into OHADA’s material competence?” Their arguments were evaluated by a distinguished jury composed of:

• Pr Edem AVEGNON, Private Law Professor and Tax Expert at the University of Lomé – Jury President;
• Ms Afeignidou BILABINA, Magistrate and Deputy Prosecutor at the Notsè Court – Member;
• Mr Sidick K. AKATA, Trainee Attorney and 2025 Monferrier Dorval CIB Public Speaking Contest finalist – Member;
• Dr Godwin Disseyi PALOUKI, Tax Inspector and 2018 CIGHO Best Thesis Prize winner – Member;
• Ms Rahile MIJIYAWA, Legal Advisor and 2021 CIGHO Best Advocate Prize winner – Member.

After tallying scores from both written and oral phases, three standout finalists emerged. Their rankings were as follows:

• 1st place: Miss Atsoupi Ama NEGLO, Bachelor’s in Public Law from the University of Kara;
• 2nd place: Mr Francis Koffi FIA, 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, now tasked with representing Togo on the international stage, will undergo specialised coaching from a team of former CIGHO winners led by Mr Koamivi AGBAH, Mr Obed Adjévi NEGLOKPE and Mr Bilal BABA DARO.

The evening concluded with prize presentations, a celebratory photo session and refreshments.

Heartfelt gratitude was extended to all partners who made the event possible, including the Togolese Revenue Office for financial support, the University of Lomé for institutional backing, and UNIDA – represented by Dr Têko Seyram Godwin AMENYINU – for providing essential legal resources. Additional thanks went to the Presidents of the Lomé Courts, the ELIE & PIERRE Law Firm, Notary Me Theophile Komi ATSU-DETE, and several local attorneys for their generous contributions.

The organisers also commended the jury for their diligence, the AIEJ-Togo team led by President Marie-Claire Egnonam AVLA, and the OHADA Club of the University of Kara – represented by Alika AYEBA and Assiki GNASSINGBE – for their pivotal roles in ensuring the success of the national pre-selections.

Mark your calendars: the international finals will take place from 12 to 19 September 2026 in Lomé, where Togo’s brightest will compete for global recognition.

For further details:

Mr Messifa Komlan KONALI, Magistrate and National Coordinator, 2012 CIGHO Laureate
Phone: +228 92 62 49 52
Email: [email protected]