Togo shines in the OHADA International Genius Competition 2026 national stage
The Auditorium of the University of Lomé became the epicenter of legal brilliance on May 30, 2026, when it hosted the national finale of the 17th edition of the International Genius Competition OHADA (CIGHO). The event, co-organized by the National Coordination of CIGHO in Togo and the Togolese branch of the International Association of Law Students (AIEJ-TOGO), brought together the brightest young legal minds from across the country.
The ceremony kicked off with opening remarks from Me Pirénam BLANDE, former President of AIEJ-TOGO, setting the stage for a day of intense competition. Key figures then addressed the audience, including Messifa Komlan KONALI, National Coordinator and Magistrate, who outlined the competition’s rules, followed by Saturnin Sassou A. AGBLO-NOAMESSI from the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR), a key partner, and Me Têko Seyram Godwin AMENYINU, Project Manager and Doctor of Private Law.
Competition format and finalists
The ten finalists, hailing from the University of Lomé, the University of Kara, and the Higher Institute of Law and Interpretation (ISDI), faced a rigorous evaluation. The written tests included:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) to assess their knowledge of OHADA legal frameworks
- Questions on African Integration to test their grasp of continental legal dynamics
- “Who am I?” a challenge requiring quick legal reasoning
- Oral arguments delivered in a simulated courtroom setting
The highlight of the day was the oral defense segment, where finalists argued the motion: “Can tax law be integrated into OHADA’s material scope of competence?” before a distinguished jury comprising:
- Pr Edem AVEGNON, Agregé in Private Law and Tax Expert (Jury President)
- Ms. Afeignidou BILABINA, Magistrate at the Notsè Republic Prosecutor’s Office
- Me Sidick K. AKATA, Trainee Lawyer and renowned orator
- Dr. Godwin Disseyi PALOUKI, Tax Inspector and 2018 CIGHO best thesis winner
- Ms. Rahile MIJIYAWA, Legal Advisor and 2021 CIGHO best advocate
Triumph of talent: the top three
After intense scrutiny, the jury announced the top three winners:
- 1st place: Ms. Atsoupi Ama NEGLO, Bachelor’s in Public Law (University of Kara)
- 2nd place: Mr. Francis Koffi FIA, Bachelor’s in Private Law (University of Lomé)
- 3rd place: Mr. Edoé F. Ulrich MENSAH-GAFAN AKOVI, Master’s in Digital Law and Data Protection (ISDI)
These three finalists will now train under the guidance of former CIGHO champions—Koamivi AGBAH, Obed Adjévi NEGLOKPE, and Bilal BABA DARO—before representing Togo at the international finale in Lomé from September 12 to 19, 2026.
Gratitude and partnerships
The success of the event was made possible through the support of key partners. The Togolese Revenue Office (OTR) provided financial backing, while the University of Lomé offered institutional support. The Association for the Unification of African Law (UNIDA), represented by Me Têko Seyram Godwin AMENYINU, supplied essential legal resources to all participants. Other contributors included the Presidents of the Lomé Court of First Instance and the Lomé Commercial Court, as well as several prominent law firms and notaries.
Special recognition was given to the jury for their fair and insightful evaluation, 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 dedication to the national preselections.
The event concluded with a prize ceremony, photo opportunities, and a celebratory reception, marking another milestone in Togo’s commitment to legal education and OHADA’s mission of harmonizing business law across Africa.
