The official launch of the 17th edition of the “Génies en herbe OHADA” (Young Legal Minds) International Competition took place on 14 February 2026 at the auditorium of the University of Lomé.
Ahead of the formal opening of the Competition, Professor Mayatta Ndiaye MBAYE, Permanent Secretary of OHADA, delivered a lecture entitled “OHADA as a Driver of Continuous Improvement in the Business Climate in Africa”. He also presented awards to the team from Benin, winners of the 16th edition of the Competition.
The ceremony was attended by Professor Komlan BATAWILA, First Vice-President of the University of Lomé; Dr Karel Osiris Coffi DOGUÉ, Director General of ERSUMA, the OHADA Regional School of Business Law; Dr Oliver LOBE, Chair of the International Committee of the “Génies en herbe OHADA” Competition; as well as representatives of professional and employers’ organisations.
The event was also marked by the presence of Mr Jérôme Komi ADJESSOM, Executive Secretary of the National OHADA Commission of Togo, who represented the Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of Togo, current Chair of the Council of Ministers of the Organisation.
This flagship competition forms part of OHADA’s ongoing efforts to promote knowledge of business law, strengthen legal capacity among young people and contribute to the continuous improvement of the business environment across its Member States.
