Our Mission

World-Class Coaching and Support

Many teams that participate in the Willem C. Vis Moot court are coached by former participants and working lawyers or academics from Africa and beyond. These coaches play a valuable role in familiarizing students with the rules of international commercial arbitration, as well as various practicalities that come into play when participating in the Willem C. Vis Moot Court. 

For first-time participants, not being able to rely on such experience may prove a challenge. Africa in the Moot works together with a large network of experienced coaches, who have volunteered and dedicate their time to remotely support African teams as a remote coach.

Real-World Practice

One way to support African teams is to participate and arbitrate in practice sessions. These sessions provide essential opportunities for participants to try different approaches and improve their oral arguments. Thereby, feedback from former participants as well as practitioners sitting as arbitrators is equally valuable.

Africa in the Moot furthermore facilitates other teams who participate in the competition and wish to plead against African teams.

Online and Local Support in Vienna and Hong Kong

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Willem C. Vis Moot Court competition was held virtually. However, it has resumed to an in-person format for the 30th season, in both Vienna and Hong Kong. Africa in the Moot provides support to the teams we work with by giving them practical guidance in setting up their journey to Vienna or Hong Kong, and providing them on-the-ground guidance when they arrive. During the Covid-19 pandemic, and for Pre-Moot events that have remained virtual or hybrid in 2023 onwards, we also support the teams to best participate in a virtual environment.

Open Access to Academic Resources

Participation in the Willem C. Vis Moot requires students to familiarize themselves with various aspects of international arbitration and commercial law. Access to relevant academic resources therefore is instrumental to enable participating students to show their full potential.

Africa in the Moot is currently working with a number of universities to give them access to additional academic resources for free or at a highly-reduced cost, and we value the support of arbitral institutions that have donated various publications to the universities’ libraries in hard copy.

Financial Support

Participating in an international pleading competition can be expensive. Where needed, we seek to match African teams with dedicated domestic or international sponsors to make their participation in the Willem C. Vis Moot possible.

Community and Staying Connected

Participation in the Willem C. Vis Moot Court is often only a first step of participants' legal careers. Africa in the Moot offers a continuing platform for (former) participants to stay connected with their peers throughout Africa and beyond.