National finals of the 17th OHADA Génies en Herbe competition held in Lomé
The Auditorium of the University of Lomé became the stage for the national finals of the 17th edition of the International OHADA Génies en Herbe Competition on May 30, 2026. This prestigious event, co-organized by the National Coordination of the OHADA Génies en Herbe in Togo and the International Association of Law Students (AIEJ-TOGO), brought together the brightest legal minds from across the country.
The ceremony commenced with opening remarks from Mr. Pirénam BLANDE, former President of AIEJ-TOGO, followed by speeches from Mr. Messifa Komlan KONALI, National Coordinator and Magistrate, Mr. Saturnin Sassou A. AGBLO-NOAMESSI, Head of Division at the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR), and Dr. Têko Seyram Godwin AMENYINU, Project Manager for the 17th edition and Doctor of Private Law. These speeches set the stage for the written examinations that followed.
The finalists—ten students from the University of Lomé, the University of Kara, and the Higher Institute of Law and Interpretation (ISDI)—faced a rigorous examination process. The written tests included a Multiple-Choice Questionnaire (QCM), African Integration Questions (QIA), a “Who Am I?” challenge, and a persuasive speech.
Following the written exams, the students delivered their speeches on the topic: «Can tax law be integrated into the OHADA’s material competence?» Each finalist had ten minutes to present their arguments before a distinguished jury comprising:
- Pr. Edem AVEGNON, Professor of Private Law and Tax Expert at the University of Lomé: Jury President;
- Ms. Afeignidou BILABINA, Magistrate and Deputy Prosecutor at the Notsè Republic Court: Jury Member;
- Me. Sidick K. AKATA, Trainee Lawyer at the Togolese Bar and 2025 Monferrier Dorval CIB Oratory Competition Finalist: Jury Member;
- Dr. Godwin Disseyi PALOUKI, Tax Inspector and 2018 OHADA Competition Best Thesis Award Winner (Abidjan): Jury Member;
- Ms. Rahile MIJIYAWA, Legal Advisor and 2021 OHADA Competition Best Speaker Award Winner (N’Djamena): Jury Member.
After tallying scores from both the written and speech components, the top three finalists emerged:
- 1st place: Ms. Atsoupi Ama NEGLO, Bachelor’s Degree in Public Law from the University of Kara;
- 2nd place: Mr. Francis Koffi FIA, Bachelor’s Degree in Private Law student 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 trio will represent Togo at the international finals, where they will receive specialized training from a coaching team led by former competition winners, including Mr. Koamivi AGBAH, Mr. Obed Adjévi NEGLOKPE, and Mr. Bilal BABA DARO.
The evening concluded with an awards ceremony, where the winners were honored, and a celebratory reception. The event would not have been possible without the generous support of key partners, including the Togolese Revenue Office, the University of Lomé, the Association for the Unification of African Law (UNIDA), and numerous legal professionals and institutions who contributed financially or in kind.
The national finals of the OHADA Génies en Herbe competition highlighted the exceptional talent and dedication of Togo’s legal students. The international finals are scheduled to take place in Lomé from September 12 to 19, 2026, where the winning team will compete against representatives from across Africa.
