Africa’s Future in Space Economy Depends on Strong Governance and Legal Frameworks, Experts Say

Africa’s meaningful participation in the rapidly growing global space economy will depend not only on technological advancement and infrastructure development, but also on building strong legal, policy, regulatory, and institutional frameworks for space governance.

This was emphasized by Nomfuneko Majaja, Chief Director of Space Affairs at South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), during the 17th Africa Regional Round of the prestigious Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition held at the Casa Toscana Convention Centre in Pretoria.

Majaja, who also serves as the Africa Regional Coordinator for the competition, addressed judges, legal scholars, faculty advisors, and students from across the continent, highlighting the strategic importance of developing Africa’s next generation of space law and governance professionals.

Africa’s Space Future Requires More Than Technology

According to Majaja, Africa’s future role in outer space governance cannot rely solely on scientific and technological progress. Instead, it will require a balanced ecosystem that includes:

• Strong legal expertise

• Effective policy frameworks

• International cooperation

• Visionary leadership

• Sustainable governance systems

She stated that the competition represents far more than an academic legal exercise and should be viewed as a long-term investment in Africa’s future leadership, innovation, diplomacy, and governance within the global space sector.

Majaja stressed that as global competition intensifies in the space economy, Africa must position itself not merely as a participant but as an active contributor shaping international space governance frameworks.

Competition Focuses on Space Law and International Governance

The annual Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition is organised under the auspices of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL) and brings together university law students from across Africa to argue complex hypothetical international space law disputes before a simulated International Court of Justice.

This year’s regional round featured participation from students representing universities in:

• South Africa

• Nigeria

• Kenya

• Uganda

• Zimbabwe

The competition provides students with practical exposure to international legal principles governing outer space activities, including issues related to:

• Satellite operations

• Space resource utilization

• International liability

• Space security

• Orbital governance

• Environmental sustainability in space

Experts believe such initiatives are becoming increasingly important as global commercial and governmental activities in space expand rapidly.

Africa Day Highlights Continental Cooperation

The opening day of the competition coincided with Africa Day celebrations, reinforcing the broader message of continental cooperation and unity 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 focused on strengthening Africa’s legal, scientific, institutional, and regulatory capacity to participate more meaningfully in the global space economy.

Officials noted that Africa’s growing involvement in satellite technology, remote sensing, telecommunications, navigation systems, and earth observation creates a pressing need for legal and governance expertise capable of supporting responsible and sustainable space activities.

Space Technology Important for Africa’s Development

Majaja highlighted that space technologies can play a transformative role in addressing several socio-economic challenges across the African continent.

According to her, space-based systems are increasingly important for:

• Climate change monitoring

• Agriculture and food security

• Disaster management

• Water resource management

• Communications infrastructure

• Navigation systems

• Industrialisation

• Environmental sustainability

As African countries expand investments in satellite programs and digital infrastructure, experts argue that robust governance systems will be essential to ensure equitable, peaceful, and sustainable utilization of space technologies.

Competition Producing Future Space Governance Leaders

Majaja also pointed out that former participants from institutions such as:

• University of Pretoria

• University of Calabar

• Midlands State University

are already making meaningful contributions within various areas of the global space economy and governance landscape.

She described the competition as a strategic investment in Africa’s human capital and future leadership capacity in outer space governance.

Analysts believe Africa’s participation in global space governance discussions is becoming increasingly important as more countries and private companies compete for strategic influence in space exploration, satellite communications, and emerging space industries.

South Africa Expanding Its Space Sector Role

The South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition reaffirmed its commitment to supporting:

• Responsible and peaceful uses of outer space

• Inclusive industrial development

• Innovation in space technologies

• African participation in international governance processes

The competition was hosted in partnership with the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and several industry stakeholders, reflecting growing collaboration between government, academia, and industry within Africa’s emerging space ecosystem.

South Africa remains one of the continent’s leading space science and satellite technology hubs through initiatives involving SANSA, astronomy research facilities, satellite infrastructure, and space science education.

African Space Policy Discussions Continue

Participating students are also expected to attend the African Space Policy and Law Conference hosted by South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) from May 28 to 29, 2026.

The conference will bring together:

• Policymakers

• Academics

• Regulators

• Industry leaders

• Space governance experts

to discuss emerging developments in:

• International space governance

• Sustainable industrial development

• Space policy coordination

• Regulatory frameworks

• Africa’s future role in the global space economy

Africa’s Expanding Space Ambitions

Africa’s space sector has grown rapidly in recent years, with several countries launching satellites, investing in space agencies, and expanding space-related educational and research programs.

Industry experts estimate that the global space economy could exceed trillions of dollars in value over the coming decades due to increasing demand for:

• Satellite communications

• Earth observation systems

• Navigation services

• Space-based internet infrastructure

• Climate monitoring technologies

• Commercial space applications

For Africa, developing strong governance frameworks alongside technological capability is seen as essential to ensuring the continent benefits equitably from the economic, scientific, and strategic opportunities emerging in the global space sector.

As discussions around space law, resource governance, and international regulation become increasingly important worldwide, initiatives such as the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition are helping prepare Africa’s future legal and policy leaders for participation in one of the world’s fastest-evolving sectors.