Togo celebrates top legal talents at OHADA’s 17th International Geniuses in Bud Competition
The Auditorium of the University of Lomé became the epicenter of legal excellence on May 30, 2026, as the nation celebrated the national finale of the 17th edition of the International Geniuses in Bud Competition (IGBC) OHADA. This high-stakes event, co-organized by the National OHADA Geniuses in Bud Coordination and the International Association of Law Students’ Togolese branch (AIEJ-TOGO), marked the culmination of rigorous regional eliminations held in Lomé and Kara on April 25, 2026.
The ceremony commenced with opening remarks from Pirénam BLANDE, former AIEJ-TOGO President, followed by addresses from national coordinator Messifa Komlan KONALI, Magistrate, Saturnin Sassou A. AGBLO-NOAMESSI (Head of Division at the Togolese Revenue Office, a key partner), and Têko Seyram Godwin AMENYINU, Project Manager and Doctor of Private Law, setting the stage for intense written assessments.
Competition structure and challenges
The final ten contestants—hailing from the University of Lomé, University of Kara, and the Higher Institute of Law and Interpreting (ISDI)—faced a battery of tests designed to evaluate their legal acumen. These included:
- Multiple Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) to assess foundational knowledge
- African Integration Questions probing regional legal awareness
- Who am I?—a rapid-identification challenge
- A compelling 10-minute oral defense on the provocative topic: “Can fiscal law fall under OHADA’s jurisdiction?”
Between written rounds, the audience was treated to a dynamic performance by slam artist MERCY, adding a cultural interlude to the intellectual contest.
Judges and scoring
The jury, composed of distinguished legal professionals, evaluated both written and oral performances with precision:
- Pr Edem AVEGNON (Private Law Professor, Tax Expert): Jury President
- Afeignidou BILABINA (Magistrate, Republic Prosecutor’s Deputy): Member
- Sidick K. AKATA (Trainee Lawyer, 2025 Monferrier Dorval CIB Oratory Competition Finalist): Member
- Dr Godwin Disseyi PALOUKI (Tax Inspector, 2018 CIBOHADA Best Thesis Winner): Member
- Rahile MIJIYAWA (Legal Advisor, 2021 CIBOHADA Best Advocate Award Winner): Member
Triumph of talent
After meticulous scoring, the top three emerged:
- 1st place: Atsoupi Ama NEGLO (Bachelor’s in Public Law, University of Kara)
- 2nd place: Francis Koffi FIA (Private Law Student, University of Lomé)
- 3rd place: Edoé F. Ulrich MENSAH-GAFAN AKOVI (Master’s in Digital Law & Data Protection, ISDI)
These winners will now undergo specialized training led by Koamivi AGBAH, Obed Adjévi NEGLOKPE, and Bilal BABA DARO—all former CIBOHADA champions—to prepare for the international finale in Lomé from September 12–19, 2026.
Gratitude and acknowledgments
The organizers extended heartfelt thanks to financial and institutional partners, including the Togolese Revenue Office, University of Lomé, and UNIDA (represented by Têko Seyram Godwin AMENYINU), which provided essential legal resources. Recognition also went to the judiciary, including the Presidents of the Lomé Court of First Instance and Commerce Court, as well as law firms and notaries for their contributions.
The AIEJ-TOGO team, led by President Marie-Claire Egnonam AVLA, and the OHADA Club of Kara (with representatives Alika AYEBA and Assiki GNASSINGBE) were commended for their pivotal role in ensuring flawless regional selections.
Next steps
The stage is now set for the international finale, where Togo’s brightest legal minds will compete on the global stage.
Contact for inquiries:
Messifa Komlan KONALI, Magistrate & National Coordinator (2012 CIBOHADA Laureate)
Phone: +228 92 62 49 52
Email: [email protected]