Togo hosts national finals of the 17th OHADA International Geniuses Contest

The Auditorium of the University of Lomé buzzed with intellectual energy on the afternoon of Saturday, May 30, 2026, as the national finals of the 17th edition of the International Geniuses Contest OHADA (CIGHO) unfolded. Organized jointly by the National Coordination of the CIGHO in Togo and the International Association of Law Students—Togo branch (AIEJ-TOGO), the event marked a pivotal moment for the country’s brightest legal minds.

An evening of academic rigor and legal debate

The ceremony commenced with opening remarks from Mr. Pirénam BLANDE, former President of AIEJ-TOGO, who set the tone for an evening dedicated to legal excellence. Following his address, key figures took the stage, including Mr. Messifa Komlan KONALI, National Coordinator and Magistrate, who outlined the contest’s structure and objectives. His speech was followed by contributions from Mr. Saturnin Sassou A. AGBLO-NOAMESSI, Head of the Tax Division at the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR), and Dr. Têko Seyram Godwin AMENYINU, Project Manager for the 17th edition and a Private Law Doctor and Attorney.

The ten finalists—drawn from the University of Lomé, the University of Kara, and the Higher Institute of Law and Interpretation (ISDI)—were then put to the test through a rigorous examination process. Their challenges included a Multiple-Choice Questionnaire (QCM), African Integration Questions (QIA), an identification quiz, and a compelling oral defense.

A gripping final challenge: fiscal law and OHADA’s jurisdiction

After the written rounds, the contestants faced a high-stakes oral presentation, each delivering a ten-minute argument on the question: «Can fiscal law be integrated into OHADA’s material competence?» Their performances were scrutinized by a distinguished jury comprising:

• Pr Edem AVEGNON, Private Law Professor and Tax Expert, University of Lomé: Jury President;
• Ms. Afeignidou BILABINA, Magistrate and Deputy Prosecutor, Notsè Republic Court: Jury Member;
• Mr. Sidick K. AKATA, Trainee Lawyer and 2025 Monferrier Dorval CIB Oratory Contest Finalist: Jury Member;
• Dr. Godwin Disseyi PALOUKI, Tax Inspector and 2018 CIGHO Best Thesis Award Winner: Jury Member;
• Ms. Rahile MIJIYAWA, International Cooperation Advisor and 2021 CIGHO Best Advocate Award Winner: Jury Member.

Togo’s rising legal stars crowned

The judges’ evaluations combined scores from the written and oral rounds, revealing the top three contestants:

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

These three will represent Togo at the international finals, scheduled for September 12–19, 2026. Their preparation will be guided by a coaching team of former CIGHO winners, including Mr. Koamivi AGBAH, Mr. Obed Adjévi NEGLOKPE, and Mr. Bilal BABA DARO.

Gratitude to partners and a vision for the future

The evening concluded with prize distributions and celebrations, but not before expressing deep appreciation to the event’s supporters. Financial and institutional backing came from the Togolese Revenue Office, the University of Lomé, and the African Union for Unifying Law (UNIDA), among others. Special thanks were also extended to the judiciary, including the Presidents of the Lomé Court of First Instance and the Lomé Commercial Court, as well as several legal firms and notaries who contributed to the contest’s success.

The event’s conclusion was marked by a warm reception, photo opportunities, and a shared commitment to fostering legal talent across the region. With the international finals on the horizon, Togo’s legal community looks forward to showcasing its young advocates on a global stage.