The Chief Director of Space Affairs at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and Africa Regional Coordinator for the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, Ms Nomfuneko Majaja, says Africa’s future participation in the global space economy will depend not only on technological advancement, but also on Africa strengthening its legal, policy, regulatory, and institutional capacity in space governance.
Majaja was delivering opening remarks at the commencement of the 17th Africa Regional Round of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition at Casa Toscana Convention Centre in Pretoria.
Addressing delegates, judges, faculty advisors, and participating students from across the continent, Majaja said the competition is a strategic investment in Africa’s next generation of space law and governance professionals.
“As we gather here today, we are reminded that Africa’s future in outer space governance will not only depend on technology and infrastructure, but equally on strong legal minds, sound policy frameworks, international cooperation, and visionary leadership,” said Majaja.
“This competition therefore represents far more than a legal exercise. It is an investment in Africa’s future leadership, diplomacy, innovation, governance, and sustainable development within the global space arena,” she added.
The annual competition, hosted under the auspices of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), brings together university law students from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe to argue complex hypothetical disputes before a simulated International Court of Justice.
The opening coincided with Africa Day celebrations, reinforcing the importance of continental unity and cooperation in advancing Africa’s role in global space governance.
Held under the theme “Empowering Africa’s Future in Space Governance for Sustainable Space Activities,” the 2026 edition focuses on strengthening Africa’s legal, policy, regulatory, scientific, and institutional capacity to participate meaningfully in the global space economy.
Majaja said the theme underscores the importance of space technologies in addressing socio-economic challenges across the continent, including climate change, agriculture, disaster management, water security, communications, navigation, industrialisation, and environmental sustainability.
She noted that former participants from institutions such as the University of Pretoria, the University of Calabar, and Midlands State University are already contributing meaningfully across various segments of the space economy and governance environment.
“This demonstrates the strategic value of this competition as a long-term investment in Africa’s human capital and future leadership in outer space governance,” said Majaja.
Majaja reaffirmed the dtic’s commitment to supporting responsible and peaceful uses of outer space, strengthening Africa’s participation in international governance processes, and promoting inclusive industrial development and innovation within the sector.
The competition is hosted by the dtic in partnership with the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and industry stakeholders.
Participating students will also attend the African Space Policy and Law Conference, to be hosted by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) from 28–29 May 2026, where policymakers, academics, regulators, and industry leaders will deliberate on emerging developments in international space governance and sustainable industrial development.
Chief Director of Space Affairs at the dtic and Africa Regional Coordinator for the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, Ms Nomfuneko Majaja, delivering opening remarks at the 17th Africa Regional Round of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition currently underway at Casa Toscana Convention Centre in Pretoria
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
Follow us on X: @the_dtic
https://www.facebook.com/thedti?mibextid=ZbWKwL
https://www.youtube.com/@thedtic
Share this:
