Togo hosts national finals of OHADA’s Geniuses in Training contest

On May 30, 2026, the Auditorium of the University of Lomé became the stage for the national finals of the 17th edition of the International Geniuses in Training OHADA Contest (CIGHO), jointly organized by the National Coordination of CIGHO in Togo and the International Association of Law Students, Togolese branch (AIEJ-TOGO).

The event kicked off under the guidance of the Master of Ceremonies, Me Pirénam BLANDE, former President of AIEJ-TOGO, followed by opening remarks from key figures including 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.

Ten finalists from the University of Lomé, University of Kara, and the Higher Institute of Law and Interpretation (ISDI) faced a rigorous selection process. The challenges included a multiple-choice questionnaire, African integration questions, an identity guessing game, and a 10-minute advocacy presentation on the topic: ‘Can tax law fall under OHADA’s jurisdiction?’

The judging panel, led by Pr Edem AVEGNON, Professor of Private Law and Tax Expert, included distinguished professionals such as Mme Afeignidou BILABINA, Substitute Prosecutor, Me Sidick K. AKATA, Trainee Lawyer, Dr Godwin Disseyi PALOUKI, Tax Inspector, and Mme Rahile MIJIYAWA, Legal Advisor and former CIGHO champion.

After intense competition, the top three emerged:

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

The victorious trio will now prepare to represent Togo at the international finals, scheduled for September 12–19, 2026, with coaching from former CIGHO winners Koamivi AGBAH, Obed Adjévi NEGLOKPE, and Bilal BABA DARO.

The ceremony concluded with prize distributions, photo sessions, and refreshments. Gratitude was extended to partners such as the Togolese Revenue Office, the University of Lomé, UNIDA, and notable legal firms for their support. Special recognition went to the jury, AIEJ-TOGO leadership under Marie-Claire Egnonam AVLA, and the Kara University OHADA Club for their roles in the national preselections.