Opening Remarks African Space Policy & Law Conference Hosted by Mcgill University & The university Of Pretoria In Partnership with DIRCO, the dtic and SANSA
Programme Directors,
Distinguished Representatives from Government, Academia, Industry and International Organisations,
Esteemed Delegates,
Faculty Members, Researchers, Students,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Morning.
It is both an honour and privilege to welcome you all to the African Space Policy and Law Conference hosted by McGill University and the University of Pretoria, in partnership with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA).
Allow me at the outset to extend sincere appreciation to our academic partners, international collaborators, policymakers, industry leaders, and students for gathering here today to deliberate on matters that are increasingly shaping the future of our continent and the global community.
This Conference takes place at a critical moment in the evolution of the global space economy and international space governance architecture.
Outer space activities are no longer confined to a handful of developed nations. Across the African continent, countries are establishing space programmes, strengthening institutional frameworks, developing national policies, and increasingly participating in global conversations relating to the governance, sustainability, commercialisation, and peaceful uses of outer space.
South Africa remains committed to playing a leading and constructive role within this evolving global environment.
As many of you may be aware, South Africa has been a member of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) since 1994 and continues to actively participate in advancing multilateral cooperation relating to the peaceful exploration and use of outer space.
UNCOPUOS remains the principal international platform responsible for global space governance, international cooperation, and the development of legal and policy frameworks governing outer space activities. The Committee plays an important role in shaping discussions on matters such as:
- Space debris mitigation and sustainability of outer space activities;
- Space traffic management;
- Registration and liability relating to space objects;
- Responsible conduct in outer space;
- Capacity building in space law and policy;
- Space resources and emerging commercial activities;
- Climate monitoring and earth observation; and
- The broader use of space technologies in support of sustainable socio-economic development.
South Africa, through the dtic and the South African Council for Space Affairs (SACSA), continues to fulfil important responsibilities relating to the regulation and oversight of space activities within the Republic.
The dtic remains responsible for the country’s policy, legislative, regulatory, and industrial development functions relating to space affairs.
This mandate is implemented within the framework of the South African Space Affairs Act and further reinforced through ongoing efforts to modernise South Africa’s regulatory environment in response to emerging technological developments and increasing commercialisation within the global space sector.
The Department, together with SACSA and industry stakeholders, continues to work towards establishing a responsive, supportive, and internationally compliant regulatory environment that enables innovation, investment, industrial participation, transformation, and sustainable growth within South Africa’s space economy.
Importantly, the role of space technologies within modern economies can no longer be underestimated.
Today, space systems support communications, navigation, climate monitoring, agriculture, disaster management, maritime awareness, environmental sustainability, water security, banking systems, transportation, and national security infrastructure.
The global space economy is rapidly expanding and presents significant opportunities for industrialisation, localisation, human capital development, advanced manufacturing, scientific innovation, and youth empowerment.
Africa therefore cannot afford to remain on the periphery of these developments.
This Conference is therefore not merely an academic engagement. It is a strategic platform that allows Africa to strengthen its voice within global governance systems, while simultaneously building the human capital, legal scholarship, policy capacity, and institutional frameworks necessary for the continent to participate meaningfully and competitively within the global space economy.
Equally important are the growing global discussions around sustainability and responsible uses of outer space.
As congestion in orbit increases through satellite constellations and commercial activities, the international community is increasingly confronted with challenges relating to space debris, orbital safety, equitable access to orbital resources, cybersecurity, responsible behaviour in space, and the long-term sustainability of outer space activities.
These matters require not only technological responses, but also strong legal frameworks, effective governance systems, international cooperation, and inclusive participation of developing countries.
South Africa and the African continent therefore have an important role to play in shaping these discussions.
In this regard, the dtic remains proud to support initiatives such as this Conference and the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, which we hosted jointly with SANSA during this very same week, because these initiatives contribute directly towards building the next generation of African legal experts, negotiators, regulators, policymakers, and thought leaders in the field of space governance.
This year’s Africa Regional Round of the Moot Court Competition brought together nine university teams from across the continent over the past two days. We are proud to note that Strathmore University of Kenya emerged as the overall winners, whilst the University of Pretoria was awarded first runner-up. Whilst Great Zimbabwe and Midlands State Universities both from Zimbabwe and Kabarak University of Kenya all scooped some awards.
These achievements reflect the growing strength, competitiveness, and intellectual contribution of African institutions within international space law and governance discourse.
The participation of universities, researchers, students, regulators, policymakers, and industry representatives gathered here today further demonstrates the growing maturity and commitment of Africa towards contributing meaningfully to global space governance and policy development.
As we engage over the next two days, I encourage all participants to engage openly, critically, and collaboratively on the important issues before us.
The future of outer space governance must be inclusive, peaceful, sustainable, developmental, and beneficial to all humanity.
Africa’s voice, perspectives, priorities, and developmental aspirations must therefore continue to form part of shaping that future.
I wish you all fruitful engagements and a successful Conference.
I thank you.