Africa in the Moot NFP

Overview

Africa in the Moot NFP is a nonprofit organization founded in 2021 to enhance the participation and representation of African law students in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Competition, commonly referred to as the Vis Moot. Despite the Vis Moot being the largest international commercial arbitration moot competition, Sub-Saharan African university teams have historically made up less than 1% of participating teams.

Mission and Objectives

The organization's mission is to empower talented African law students by providing logistical and financial support, education, training, access to resources, and exposure to an international network in the field of international arbitration. By doing so, Africa in the Moot aims to promote diversity and equal representation of Africans in the Vis Moot and the broader international arbitration community.

Activities and Initiatives

Africa in the Moot organizes various activities and initiatives to achieve its objectives:

• Educational Series: Sessions are led by prominent practitioners in the field, offering valuable insights into international arbitration.
• Pre-Moot Trainings: The organization co-hosts events like the East Africa Vis Pre-Moot, which is the only in-person Pre-Moot in Sub-Saharan Africa. This event brings international commercial arbitration mooting and legal training closer to African practitioners.
• Coaching and Mentorship: Africa in the Moot collaborates with experienced coaches who remotely support African teams. These coaches help familiarize students with the rules and practicalities of international commercial arbitration.
• Access to Resources: The organization facilitates access to academic resources and seeks to match teams with sponsors to support their participation in the Vis Moot.

Recognition

Africa in the Moot was recognized at the Global Arbitration Review (GAR) Awards in 2023 for Best Innovation by an Individual or Organisation, specifically for its Inaugural East Africa Pre-Moot.

Leadership

As of 2023, Erin Cronjé serves as the Director of Africa in the Moot, leading the organization's efforts to expand its impact across Africa.

Impact

In its second year of operation, Africa in the Moot supported 14 teams from 10 different African countries and set a record for Sub-Saharan African teams' participation at the Vis Moot. The organization continues to grow, supported by its partners and volunteers, aiming to increase African representation in global arbitration.

[1] https://afaa.ngo/page-18722 [2] https://www.africainthemoot.com [3] https://africa-in-the-moot.squarespace.com/s/Africa-in-the-Moot-2022-2023-Season-Report.pdf [4] https://www.africainthemoot.com/about-us [5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4KOImnzeA8