June 25, 2025
The 16th African Regional Round of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition concluded with a prestigious awards ceremony at the CSIR International Convention Centre. Hosted in a hybrid format, this year’s competition was organized by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in collaboration with the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), and supported by the National Earth Observation and Space Secretariat (NEOSS), a program of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Strathmore University of Kenya emerged victorious, securing the top spot and the honour of representing the Africa region at the global finals at the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney, Australia later this year. Midlands State University of Zimbabwe took second place, with Ambrose Alli University of Nigeria finishing third.
The awards ceremony featured keynote remarks by SANSA CEO, Mr. Humbulani Mudau, who underscored the growing relevance of space technology on the global stage, with the industry projected to be worth $1.8 trillion by 2035. He applauded the growing African engagement in this sector and its legal frameworks.
“This year’s competition marks a significant milestone, with participation doubling from last year. Twenty-four universities from five African nations registered—an encouraging sign of the continent’s increasing commitment to space law,” said Ms. Nomfuneko Majaja, dtic Chief Director and Africa Regional Coordinator of the competition. She highlighted the crucial role of space law in building strong national regulatory systems and advancing global governance in outer space.
Participating universities included:
- Nigeria: Obafemi Awolowo University, Ambrose Alli University,
- Kenya: Strathmore University, Africa Nazarene University
- Zimbabwe: Midlands State University, University of Zimbabwe
- Uganda: Kampala International University, Cavendish University
- South Africa: University of Fort Hare, North-West University
Notably, Cavendish University (Uganda) won Best Memorials, while Charity Muthoni of Strathmore University was awarded Best Oralist.
The African round was judged by a distinguished panel of legal experts, including Dr. Maria Ria Nonyana-Mokabane (dtic), Mr. Michael Kabai (SANSA), Dr. Arnold Agaba (McGill University), Adv. Icho Kealotswe-Matlou (Botswana), and Dr. Nester John (Nigeria).
The 2025 theme, “Space Law for Global Solidarity and Equality”, echoed South Africa’s G20 Presidency and the continent’s broader developmental goals as framed in the Africa Space Strategy and Agenda 2063. The competition continues to serve as a vital platform to develop legal capacity across Africa in space law, earth observation, aerospace, and related technologies.
This year’s moot problem tackled issues around “ The Legality of Space Activities in Conflict” with Admetus (Applicant) vs Cronus(Respondent) ” providing students with complex, real-world legal challenges related to space activities.
The Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, organized globally by the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), simulates proceedings before the International Court of Justice. The world finals are traditionally adjudicated by sitting judges of the ICJ, offering students a unique and prestigious learning opportunity.
The dtic, along with SACSA (South African Council for Space Affairs), remains committed to advancing space legislation, promoting responsible, safe and peaceful uses of outer space, and fostering African participation in international space governance.
