Online Reporter
Richard Muponde
Zimpapers Politics Hub
MIDLANDS State University and Great Zimbabwe Universities are set to take Zimbabwe’s growing space law momentum onto the continental stage after being selected to represent the country at the African Regional Rounds, following a highly competitive inaugural national competition recently held in Harare.
The two teams will compete at the African Regional Round, which is typically hosted in Pretoria, where top universities from across the continent converge to battle for supremacy.
Their qualification marks another significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s continued rise in international space law, as the country builds on recent successes and positions itself for yet another strong showing at continental level.
This year’s Zimbabwe national round, held recently in the capital, brought together teams from leading universities, including the University of Zimbabwe (Panashe Mbozi, Valerie Zowa), Midlands State University (Ruth Jokonya, Augustine Mudzudza and Rejoice Ncube, coached by Mr
Claudios Makwara), and Great Zimbabwe University (Vanessa Msipa, Christopher Dembure and Makanaka Nyabvure, coached by Mr Tonderai Mapanga).
After strong and competitive rounds, Midlands State University and Great Zimbabwe University emerged as the top teams and will now carry the national flag at the African Regional Round.
The competition was judged by international experts, including Livingston Karikari from Ghana and Moritz Hieronymi from Germany, both of whom bring extensive experience in international and space law.
Since joining the competition, the country has consistently expanded its footprint, evolving into one of Africa’s strongest contenders.
The Manfred Lachs Moot, organised by the International Institute of Space Law, remains the world’s leading platform for space law, offering students the opportunity to argue complex legal issues related to space activities before a simulated International Court of Justice. Winners from the continental rounds proceed to the global finals, traditionally held in Paris, alongside the International Astronautical Congress.
The competition was introduced in Zimbabwe in 2020 by Beauler Wozhele, who has led the country’s participation and growth in the programme since its inception. Great Zimbabwe University was the first institution to take part.
Speaking after the event recently, Ms Wozhele said:
“This competition is about more than advocacy. It is about preparing Zimbabwe and Africa to take part in the global space sector by building the legal skills needed to manage space activities.”
By hosting the national round, Zimbabwe is demonstrating its commitment to developing specialised legal skills that support innovation, development, and participation in the global economy.
Through her continued leadership, Ms Wozhele has helped position Zimbabwe as an emerging player in space law in Africa, creating opportunities for students to engage with international legal processes and compete at a high level.
As Midlands State University and Great Zimbabwe University prepare for the African Regional Round in Pretoria, expectations remain high for another strong performance from Zimbabwe.
