By Tatiana Mhararira
Great Zimbabwe University (GZU)’s Herbert Chitepo School of Law will host its inaugural Corporate Law Moot Competition on April 29, 2025.
The competition, exclusively for GZU law students, is sponsored by Harare-based law firm Absolom and Shepherd Attorneys and will run under the theme “Fostering Excellence in Corporate Law Through Mooting.”
Speaking to TellZim News, GZU Moot Coordinator Emerge Masiya said preparations were well advanced, and student interest had exceeded expectations.
“Preparations are progressing smoothly, the venue is booked, and students have responded enthusiastically. We initially had 15 registered teams, but due to time constraints, we revised the rules and selected the top eight based on their memorial submissions.
“Since it’s a one-day event, we used the written memorials to shortlist teams for oral arguments. The competition will be judged by three legal professionals,” Masiya said.
Masiya outlined the competition format and the skills participants are expected to develop.
“The competition began with memorial submissions, from which the eight best teams were selected for the preliminary round. Four teams will advance to the semifinals, and two will compete for the trophy. Judges will evaluate each team’s analysis and advocacy skills.
“Participants will gain advocacy, legal research, and public speaking skills, as well as confidence to appear in court. These moot competitions provide students with opportunities to build such confidence,” Masiya said.
She explained that the corporate law focus aims to expose students to a vital but less familiar legal field.
“Many people are familiar with human rights, environmental, and family law, especially through programs like the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s show highlighting everyday legal issues. However, corporate law is less understood, yet many students aspire to work in the corporate world.
“These competitions offer insight into the challenges legal practitioners face, equipping our students with essential skills for the corporate sector. We also aim to identify GZU’s top corporate law students,” she said.
GZU has a strong track record in moot court competitions, recently winning the inaugural Fiscal Justice and Economic Development Moot Court Competition, hosted in partnership with the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD).
