National togolese finale of the 17th OHADA international competition held in Lomé

The grand finale of the national phase of the 17th OHADA International Geniuses in Training Competition (CIGHO) unfolded at the University of Lomé’s Auditorium on May 30, 2026, drawing eager participants and legal minds from across the nation.

An event steeped in legal excellence and academic rigor

The competition, co-organized by the National OHADA Geniuses in Training Coordination and the Togolese branch of the International Association of Law Students (AIEJ-TOGO), was officiated by Me Pirénam BLANDE, former President of AIEJ-TOGO, who set the stage for a day of intense legal challenges.

Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Messifa Komlan KONALI, the National Coordinator and a Magistrate, followed by insights from Mr. Saturnin Sassou A. AGBLO-NOAMESSI, Head of Division at the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR)—a key partner in the event—and Me Têko Seyram Godwin AMENYINU, the Project Manager, a Doctor of Private Law and Attorney, who outlined the competition’s framework.

The finals featured ten top contenders from the University of Lomé, University of Kara, and the Superior Institute of Law and Interpretation (ISDI), who tackled a series of rigorous assessments:

• Multiple-Choice Questionnaire (MCQ): Testing their grasp of OHADA legal principles.
• African Integration Questions (QIA): Evaluating their understanding of continental legal frameworks.
• “Who Am I?”: A rapid-fire round assessing legal acumen.
• Oral Pleading: A high-stakes 10-minute debate on the subject: “Can tax law fall under OHADA’s jurisdiction?”

After a dynamic performance by slam artist MERCY, the finalists delivered compelling arguments before a distinguished jury, including:

• Pr Edem AVEGNON, Private Law Professor and Tax Expert (Jury President).
• Ms. Afeignidou BILABINA, Magistrate at the Notsè Republic Prosecutor’s Office.
• Me Sidick K. AKATA, Trainee Lawyer and 2025 Monferrier Dorval CIB Oratory Competition finalist.
• Dr. Godwin Disseyi PALOUKI, Inspector of Taxes and 2018 OHADA Best Memoir Award winner.
• Ms. Rahile MIJIYAWA, International Cooperation Advisor and 2021 Best Pleader at the N’Djamena OHADA finals.

Triumphs and next steps for the winners

The top three finalists, selected based on written and oral scores, were:

• 1st place: Miss Atsoupi Ama NEGLO (Bachelor’s 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 in Digital Law & Data Protection, ISDI).

These three will represent Togo at the international finals, slated for September 12–19, 2026 in Lomé. They will undergo intensive coaching from an elite team of former CIGHO winners, including Mr. Koamivi AGBAH, Mr. Obed Adjévi NEGLOKPE, and Mr. Bilal BABA DARO.

Gratitude to partners and supporters

The event’s success was made possible by contributions from the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR), University of Lomé, and the African Association for Legal Unification (UNIDA), which provided study materials. Additional support came from the Lomé Court of Appeals, Lomé Commercial Court, and esteemed law firms and notaries, including SCP ELIE & PIERRE, Me Théophile Komi ATSU-DETE, and Me Fiatuwo Kwadjo SESSENOU.

The jury’s meticulous evaluation and the tireless efforts of AIEJ-TOGO—led by President Marie-Claire Egnonam AVLA—alongside the Kara University OHADA Club (represented by Alika AYEBA and Assiki GNASSINGBE), ensured a seamless selection process.