Togolese finalists shine in the 17th OHADA Geniuses in Training international contest
The Auditorium of the University of Lomé transformed into a hub of legal brilliance on May 30, 2026, as the national finale of the 17th edition of the International OHADA Geniuses in Training Contest unfolded. Organized jointly by the National Coordination of the contest in Togo and the International Association of Jurist Students, Togolese branch (AIEJ-TOGO), the event drew top legal minds from across the country.
The ceremony commenced 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, Division Head at the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR), and Me Têko Seyram Godwin Amenyinu, Project Manager and Doctor of Private Law. These addresses set the stage for the written examinations that followed.
The ten finalists, hailing from the University of Lomé, University of Kara, and the Higher Institute of Law and Interpretation (ISDI), tackled a rigorous assessment comprising multiple-choice questions, African integration challenges, identification tasks, and persuasive advocacy exercises. A dynamic performance by slam artist MERCY injected energy into the proceedings before the contestants delivered their ten-minute legal arguments.
Contestants defend fiscal law integration before elite jury
The day’s central debate centered on the question: ‘Can fiscal law be integrated into OHADA’s material competence?’ Three finalists emerged victorious after cumulative scores from written and oral rounds:
- 1st place: Miss Atsoupi Ama Neglo, Bachelor’s in Public Law, University of Kara, who will represent Togo internationally;
- 2nd place: Mr. Francis Koffi Fia, Bachelor’s student in Private Law, University of Lomé;
- 3rd place: Mr. Edoé F. Ulrich Mensah-Gafan Akovi, Master’s student in Digital Law and Data Protection at ISDI.
The judging panel featured distinguished legal professionals:
- Pr Edem Avegnon, Private Law Agrégé and Tax Expert, President of the Jury;
- Ms. Afeignidou Bilabina, Magistrate and Deputy Prosecutor, Tribunal of Notsè;
- 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;
- Ms. Rahile Mijiyawa, International Cooperation Advisor and 2021 CIGHO Best Advocate Award winner.
Preparation for the international phase now begins under the mentorship of former winners Koamivi Agbah, Obed Adjévi Neglokpe, and Bilal Baba Daro, who will guide the trio in sharpening their legal advocacy skills.
Acknowledging partners and supporters
The contest’s success relied on robust collaboration with key institutions. The Togolese Revenue Office provided financial backing, while the University of Lomé offered institutional support. The African Union for the Unification of Law (UNIDA), represented by Me Têko Seyram Godwin Amenyinu, supplied essential legal resources to participants. Additional gratitude was extended to the Presidents of the Lomé Court of First Instance and Commercial Court, notary offices, and private law firms for their generous contributions.
The AIEJ-TOGO leadership, including President Marie-Claire Egnonam Avla, and the Kara University OHADA Club, represented by Alika Ayeba and Assiki Gnassingbé, were pivotal in organizing the national preselections. Their dedication ensured a competitive and inclusive event.
The climax of the evening featured prize distributions and a celebratory reception, capping off months of preparation and intellectual rigor. The nation now awaits the international finale in Lomé from September 12 to 19, 2026, where the top three will compete on the global stage.
For inquiries, contact:
Messifa Komlan Konali, Magistrate and National Coordinator, 2012 CIGHO Winner (Abidjan)
Phone: +228 92 62 49 52
Email: [email protected]