Togo crowns champions at the 17th OHADA Genies in Training International Contest

On Saturday, May 30, 2026, the Auditorium of the University of Lomé became the stage for an intellectual showdown as Togo hosted the national finale of the 17th edition of the OHADA Genies in Training International Contest (CIGHO). The event, co-organized by the National Coordination of CIGHO Togo and the International Association of Law Students (AIEJ-Togo), drew the brightest legal minds from across the country.

The ceremony kicked off with opening remarks from Me Pirénam BLANDE, former President of AIEJ-Togo, followed by speeches from Messifa Komlan KONALI, National Coordinator and Magistrate, Saturnin Sassou A. AGBLO-NOAMESSI, Head of Division at the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR), and Me Têko Seyram Godwin AMENYINU, Project Manager and Doctor of Private Law, setting the stage for the written rounds.

Ten finalists from the University of Lomé (UL), University of Kara (UK), and the Higher Institute of Law and Interpretation (ISDI) faced a rigorous assessment comprising multiple-choice questions, African integration tests, identification challenges, and a ten-minute oral pleading session. The debate topic, “Can tax law fall within OHADA’s material jurisdiction?”, tested the candidates’ grasp of regional legal frameworks.

The jury, led by Pr Edem AVEGNON, Private Law Professor and Tax Expert at the University of Lomé, included seasoned legal professionals:

• Afeignidou BILABINA, Magistrate and Deputy Prosecutor at the Notsè Republic Court;
• Me Sidick K. AKATA, Trainee Lawyer and 2025 Monferrier Dorval CIB Oratory Contest finalist;
• Dr Godwin Disseyi PALOUKI, Tax Inspector and 2018 CIGHO Best Thesis Award winner;
• Rahile MIJIYAWA, Legal Advisor and 2021 CIGHO Best Pleader from N’Djamena.

After tallying scores from written exams and oral presentations, three standout candidates emerged:

• 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 winning trio will now prepare to represent Togo at the international finale in September 2026, receiving mentorship from former CIGHO laureates Koamivi AGBAH, Obed Adjévi NEGLOKPE, and Bilal BABA DARO.

The event concluded with prize distributions, group photos, and refreshments. Gratitude was extended to partners including the Togolese Revenue Office, University of Lomé, UNIDA (represented by Me Têko Seyram Godwin AMENYINU), and several legal firms and notaries for their financial and institutional support. Special recognition went to the jury, AIEJ-Togo leadership under Marie-Claire Egnonam AVLA, and the Kara University OHADA Club team for their pivotal roles in the national selection process.

Mark your calendars: the international finale will unfold in Lomé from September 12–19, 2026.

For inquiries:

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