Lomé, 27 July 2026
Meeting in Lomé on 27 July 2026, the OHADA Council of Ministers adopted a series of landmark decisions aimed at strengthening the Organisation’s governance, enhancing its financial sustainability, and advancing its mission of promoting legal integration and economic development across its Member States.
Chaired by H.E. Pacôme Yawovi ADJOUROUVI, Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Togolese Republic and current Chair of the OHADA Council of Ministers, the Council considered key matters relating to the Organisation’s operations, institutional governance, the consolidation of its legal and regulatory framework, financial sustainability, and the partial renewal of the personnel of the Common Court of Justice and Arbitration (CCJA).
Strengthening Institutional Governance
The Council took note of the Permanent Secretary’s report on the activities and performance of OHADA’s Institutions during the first half of 2026. It commended the progress achieved in the areas of legal harmonisation, judicial and arbitral activities, training, research, international cooperation and institutional representation.
While acknowledging the continuing challenges associated with resource mobilisation, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the Organisation’s long-term sustainability. It urged Member States to fulfil their statutory financial obligations in a timely manner and reiterated its support for initiatives designed to secure OHADA’s financial stability.
Far-Reaching Institutional Governance Reforms
The Council adopted several major instruments aimed at enhancing the governance, transparency and performance of OHADA’s Institutions.
Among these was a new Financial Regulation, introducing programme-based budgeting, Results-Based Management (RBM), and the application of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) for the preparation and presentation of the financial statements of OHADA’s Institutions. These reforms are intended to align the Organisation’s financial management framework with its legal status and the specific nature of its activities as an international organisation.
The Council also adopted the OHADA Records and Archives Management Policy, the Decision establishing the Risk Management and Internal Control Committee, the Internal Audit Charter, and the Decision creating the title of OHADA Goodwill Ambassador to further promote the Organisation’s values, ideals and international standing.
Renewed Commitment to Financial Sustainability
The Council endorsed the resolutions and recommendations adopted at the Special Meeting of the Ministers of Finance of the Member States concerning the implementation of OHADA’s autonomous financing mechanism and the mobilisation of innovative sources of funding.
On that occasion, the Council reiterated that the regular payment of statutory contributions remains indispensable to the effective implementation of OHADA’s mandate and the smooth functioning of its Institutions.
Following its consideration of the Organisation’s 2024 Financial Report and the External Auditor’s Report, the Council approved the Organisation’s financial statements.
Two New Judges Elected to the Common Court of Justice and Arbitration
As part of the renewal process within the Common Court of Justice and Arbitration (CCJA), the Council of Ministers elected two new Judges:
- Ms Hélène SARR, a Senegalese magistrate;
- Mr Edmond Pierre-Jacques DJAMA, an Ivorian magistrate.
The newly elected Judges will serve a single non-renewable term of seven years.
The Council also decided to launch a new call for applications to fill the third vacant position and encouraged the submission of applications from qualified female candidates.
Reaffirmed Commitment to African Legal Integration
At the close of its deliberations, the Council of Ministers reaffirmed its determination to pursue the reforms undertaken to strengthen the Organisation’s governance, transparency, institutional performance and financial sustainability.
The decisions adopted in Lomé reflect the shared commitment of the Member States to consolidating OHADA as Africa’s leading framework for legal integration, thereby fostering investor confidence, enhancing the competitiveness of Member States’ economies, and promoting sustainable development throughout the OHADA area.
Continued Support from the Highest Political Authorities
Following the conclusion of the session, the members of the Council of Ministers, accompanied by Professor Mayatta Ndiaye MBAYE, Permanent Secretary of OHADA, were received in audience by H.E. Faure GNASSINGBÉ, President of the Council of the Republic of Togo and current Chair of the Conference of Heads of State and Government.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the Chair of the Conference to review the outcomes of the ministerial session and to provide strategic guidance on the key challenges facing the Organisation.
Directorate of Legal Affairs, Documentation and Communication – OHADA
E-mail: secretariat@ohada.org
Website: www.ohada.org
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