Bridging Continents: UWC and Humboldt University Strengthen Legal Collaboration
The Faculty of Law at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), through its Department of Private Law, in partnership with Humboldt University in Berlin, successfully hosted the African-German Academic Exchange from 24–28 February 2025. This week-long engagement provided a platform for legal scholars and students to critically examine Current Challenges for Private and Intellectual Property Law: African and European Perspectives.
Strengthening Institutional Ties
The exchange commenced with a visit to the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Jacques de Ville, followed by a guided tour of the faculty. This opening session set the stage for meaningful academic engagement, strengthening ties between the two institutions and fostering collaboration in research and legal education.A highlight of the visit was the UWC Historic, Present, and Look to the Future Campus Tour, led by Mr. Hardi Zacharias. His expertly guided tour provided valuable insights into UWC’s rich history, ongoing developments, and future aspirations. The experience was further enhanced by the provision of a mini-bus, allowing visitors to explore the campus with ease. His contribution to making the visit memorable is highly appreciated.
Engaging Public Lectures and Expert-Led Discussions
The formal academic sessions began on 25 February, featuring a series of public lectures moderated by Prof. Riekie Wandrag and Prof. Yeukai Mupangavanhu, with opening remarks by Prof. Desmond Oriakhogba. These lectures provided in-depth insights into pressing legal challenges:- Resolving International Commercial Disputes – Prof. Giesela Rühl explored the evolving role of International Commercial Courts in dispute resolution, emphasising their impact on global trade and legal harmonisation.
- Traditional Knowledge & Global Patent Challenges – Prof. Axel Metzger examined the complexities surrounding the origin of biological material in the global patent system, particularly its implications for African nations.
Workshops: Interactive Learning and Multidisciplinary Perspectives
In the afternoon, workshop sessions provided a dynamic platform for further exploration:???? Intellectual Property and Global Health – Facilitated by Nadja Rode, Alwin Meinig, and Lukas Pajunk, this session highlighted the role of intellectual property rights in shaping access to healthcare and pharmaceuticals on a global scale.
???? Protecting Human Rights in Global Supply Chains – Led by Gesine Müller, Franziska Rosenbach, and Silas Mohr, this discussion delved into corporate responsibility and human rights compliance in international business operations.
These sessions encouraged robust debate, drawing connections between African and European legal frameworks while considering real-world case studies.
Closing Sessions and Key Takeaways
On 27 February, the programme mirrored the previous day's structure, culminating in a guest lecture for Prof. Desmond Oriakhogba’s Law of Delict class. Silas Mohr delivered an insightful presentation on Tort (Delict) Law as a Tool for Human Rights Protection in Corporate Supply Chains, shedding light on legal mechanisms available under the law of delict to hold corporations accountable for human rights violations.The exchange concluded on 28 February with a final discussion over a joint dinner at Hussar Grill, Willowbridge. This informal setting allowed for continued networking and reflection on the key takeaways from the week’s discussions.
Looking Ahead
The African-German Academic Exchange was a resounding success, reinforcing the value of cross-continental academic engagement. UWC extends its gratitude to Humboldt University, Mr. Hardi Zacharias, the esteemed speakers, moderators, and all participants who contributed to this enriching dialogue.
This initiative marks another step toward strengthening legal scholarship between Africa and Europe, paving the way for future collaborations in research, policy development, and legal education
