Africa's meaningful participation in the rapidly growing global space economy will depend not only on technological progress, but also on strengthening the continent's legal, policy, regulatory and institutional framework for space governance.
This was according to Nomfuneko Majaza, Chief Director for Space Affairs at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and Africa Regional Coordinator of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, during the 17th Africa regional round of the competition held at the Casa Toscana Convention Center in Pretoria.
Addressing judges, faculty advisors and students from across the continent, Majaza described the competition as a strategic investment in the development of 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 depend not only on technology and infrastructure, but also on strong legal minds, solid policy frameworks, international cooperation and visionary leadership.
“Therefore, this competition represents much more than a legal exercise. It is an investment in Africa's future leadership, diplomacy, innovation, governance and sustainable development within the global space sector,” Majaja said on Monday.
The annual competition, held 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 debate complex hypothetical disputes before a mock International Court of Justice.
The first day of the competition 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: “Strengthening 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.
Mazza said the theme underlines the importance of space technologies in addressing socio-economic challenges across the continent, including climate change, agriculture, disaster management, water security, communications, navigation, industrialization and environmental sustainability.
He said former participants from institutions such as the University of Pretoria, University of Calabar and Midlands State University are already making meaningful contributions to various areas 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,” Mazza said.
Majaza reaffirmed DTIC's commitment to supporting the responsible and peaceful uses of outer space, strengthening Africa's participation in international governance processes, and promoting inclusive industrial growth and innovation within the region.
DTIC hosted the competition in partnership with the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and industry stakeholders.
Participating students will also participate in the African Space Policy and Law Conference organized by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) from 28-29 May 2026, where policy makers, academics, regulators and industry leaders will deliberate on emerging developments in international space governance and sustainable industrial development. – sanews.gov.za