Haramaya University Law Students Set to Compete on Global Stage at Vis Moot in Vienna
A team of Law students from Haramaya University’s (HU) College of Law has arrived in Vienna, Austria, to represent Ethiopia in the prestigious 33rd Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot. Running from March 28 to April 2, 2026, the competition stands as the world’s foremost clinical training ground for international business dispute resolution.
The HU team, comprised of LL.B students Ms. Hayat Menur Akmel, Ms. Asma Mohammed Omer, and Mr. Gemechis Mando Boru, earned their place in the oral rounds after months of intensive preparation. Under the guidance of coach and Lecturer of Laws, Mr. Zekeria Abda Junda, the students drafted complex written memoranda for both claimants and respondents, a feat evaluated by global experts before the team received their official invitation from the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (UNCITRAL).
Dr. Richard Wentzell, Dean of the College of Law, highlighted the immense pressure the students face:
“The Vis Moot is an incredibly challenging extra-curricular activity. It tests research acumen, forensic analysis, and oral advocacy under intense scrutiny from international panels. Participating illustrates a profound commitment to academic excellence and practical skill development.”
Haramaya University’s participation places it among more than 100 universities from over 80 countries. The competition is organized by a distinguished cohort, including the University of Vienna, UNCITRAL, Stockholm University, and Queen Mary University of London.
In a testament to the department’s academic standing, the team’s coach, Mr. Zekeria Abda Junda, has also been selected to serve as an arbitrator during the competition, recognized for his expertise in international business law.
The journey to Vienna was made possible through the collaborative efforts of HU leadership and a network of dedicated benefactors.
The College of Law extended special gratitude to: Professor Won Lemma Kidane (Villanova School of Law) and the Addis Law Group (ALG) LLP for their instrumental support, Mr. Firew Tadesse Adasho (CEO of Baro Technologies) for assisting with registration and accommodations, and Mr. Moges Zewdu, former Associate Dean and current PhD candidate at the University of Vienna, for hosting and guiding the team upon their arrival in Austria.
The university administration also expressed its pride in the team’s persistence, noting that the students maintained a grueling academic calendar while preparing for this world-class event.
Haramaya University wishes the College of Law team the best of luck as they advocate on the international stage.
Haramaya University Public & International Relations
Tags: arbitration law, commercial arbitration, Ethiopian universities, global academic exposure, global competition, Haramaya University, international law, international moot court, law faculty, Law Students, Legal Education, moot court competition, Student Achievement, Vienna Austria, Vis Moot
