The 14th Africa Lecture held by CAI

 
The 14th Africa Lecture was held online and offline by China-Africa Institute (CAI) on August 8, 2023 under the theme “Different Histories, Common Aspirations: quality development as the next frontier for BRICS Countries” . Professor Busani Ngcaweni, the Principal of the National School of Government, senior research fellow at the University of Johannesburg was invited to deliver a keynote speech. Professor Wang Xiaoming, vice-president of the CAI presided over the lecture.

Professor Busani is delivering speech
Professor Ngcaweni talked about the partnership for prosperity through BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) with a focus on the evolution of China-Africa relationship, opportunities and challenges for Global South and the new frontiers for changes.
Professor Ngcaweni pointed out that despite of differences in development pathways, China and Africa have been enjoying mutual friendship founded on shared values and a desire for prosperity for all. China-Africa cooperation underlines the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, upholding multilateralism for achieving mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. China has been taking an active part in global governance and constantly pursuing opening policies, which has helped to boost South-South cooperation.
Professor Ngcaweni said, the biggest challenge for the Global South is dealing with poverty and inequality which is as a result of some factors: weak institutions, energy security, climate change, skills gaps, unemployment and so on. In terms of economic development, in order to promote industrialization and digital technology, Africa must strive to maintain safety in energy access, invest more in internet infrastructure and mitigate the effects of climate change while maintaining a decent growth rates.
Moreover, the continent’s education systems and skills training programs need urgent reform to ensure young people have the skills required for current and future employment. When talked about trade and economic cooperation, Professor Ngcaweni conveyed his idea that Africa should push forward multilateral structures of foreign trade and drive development in diverse markets, while exploring pathways for added value of export goods.
China has been promoting FOCAC (the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) since 2000 and contributed positively to Africa's development. Professor Ngcaweni expressed, BRICS and FOCAC are similar in their framework, and both play an vital role in promoting regional stability and development. He hoped to see greater infrastructure cooperation between China and Africa, and expected that the debt issue could be solved via financial aid.
Finally, Professor Ngcaweni shed light on the new frontiers for change. He presented that Global South countries should build state capacity to effectively manage state affairs and deliver socio-economic services to the people. Self-serving bureaucracies should be replaced with dynamic, innovative, ethical and competent bureaucrats and politicians who demonstrates greater levels of mastering statecraft. While investing more in vocational training and building better skills for workers in industrial sector, BRICS countries also need to accelerate technology transfer.
BRICS countries should speed energy transit to ensure diversified foreign capital inflows in the sector, and encourage settlement of accounts through local currency thus increasing their tradability. Professor Ngcaweni underlined that BRICS and the Global South need to intensify efforts to increase trade among themselves and promote people-to-people exchanges. The academic institutions in BRICS countries should strengthen cooperation in scientific research, and contribute to the implementation of national policies.

Main venue of the lecture
In the Q and A session, Professor Ngcaweni and scholars of CAI had an in-depth discussion on topics related to BRICS Summit, Africa’s foreign relations, and the Global South studies. Professor Liu Naiya, director of Social and Cultural Studies Division of CAI, Professor Li Wengang, director of Ethical and Religious Studies Division of CAI, and Professor An Chunying, associate editor of Journal of West Asia and Africa and other scholars participated in the session. 

Professor Wang Xiaoming presided over the lecture
In the conclusion speech, professor Wang Xiaoming appreciated Professor Ngcaweni for his wonderful speech. She said, Professor Ngcaweni briefed on the changes and opportunities for current international relations, offering a great inspiration for Chinese scholars to conduct studies in this field. 
Professor Ngcaweni pointed out that although the Global South countries are differ in history, politics, economic development and culture, they are facing common challenges in their development paths, and share common aspiration for prosperity, this has made them join hands to promote cooperation and communication.
Professor Wang Xiaoming said, CAI has signed a MOU with the National School of Government, University of Johannesburg to organize international conferences and seminars. On June this year, CAI held the 15th China Lecture in South Africa, which is a model for future cooperation between Chinese and African think tanks and scholars. CAI will continue to work with African think tanks and scholars to enhance China-Africa cooperation, and strive for mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.

The lecture was attended by more than 50 scholars and experts from CAI online and offline. It was held two weeks ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit which was scheduled for August 22-24, 2023 in South Africa. 
(Photo by Dong Jiacheng)

The 18th China Lecture held in Burkina Faso

The 18th China Lecture, co-hosted by China-Africa Institute (CAI) and Center for the Study of Documentation and Economic and Social Research (CEDRES), Burkina Faso was successfully held in the capital city Ouagadougou on March 10, 2024. Victor Sanon, Executive Director of the CEDRES; Mr. Wang Wenzhang, Charge d'Affaires of Chinese Embassy in Burkina Faso delivered speeches at the lecture themed "The stories of Chinese Medical Teams aiding Africa".
Professor Li Xinfeng, executive president of the CAI, and Gilda Compaoré, head of the Communications Department of the CEDRES presided over the lecture. The event was attended by more than 40 people including members of the 6th batch of Chinese medical team in Burkina Faso, experts, teachers and students, officials of the Ministry of Health and members of the media.

The 18th China Lecture
Victor Sanon extended his warm welcome to the CAI delegations and stressed the importance of exchanges and cooperation between China and Burkina Faso. Mr. Wang Wenzhang expressed his gratitude towards the CEDRES for organizing the event, and hoped this lecture could help local people to better understand the health cooperation between China and Burkina Faso.

Member of the Chinese medical team in Burkina Faso is delivering a speech
In his keynote speech, Doctor Chen Daohu, head of the Chinese medical team in Burkina Faso made an detailed introduction about the achievements in medical and health exchanges and collaborations between China and Burkina Faso. He said, the Chinese medical teams have carried out free surgeries for two sessions, helping a total of 396 cataract patients restore sight. They also donated a large number of pharmaceutical drugs and medical equipment to hospitals across Burkina Faso every year. In addition, the acupuncture and moxibustion therapies have helped many African patients relieve chronic pains and overcome functional disorders.
Doctor Chen told a story about Ma Lan, a doctor from the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Hospital of Wuhu city in Anhui Province, and a member of the Chinese medical team in Burkina Faso. Her first patient was a 80-year-old man with high paraplegia. His family decided to choose rehabilitation instead of surgery as the treatment, so they went to see Doctor Ma to have a try. The patient was treated with TCM therapies including acupuncture, cupping, electropuncture, moxibustion and auricular therapy. Unexpectedly, the treatments were proved to be effective as the old man was able to walk on his own with walking aids rather than sitting on a wheelchair. The TCM therapy works like magic, bringing the old man hope to a new life. He even said he would like his grandson to go to China and study TCM.
Doctor Chen said, the Chinese medical teams will continue to work with local medical workers to provide sound health services for people in Burkina Faso. They will strive to promote mutual learning, common development and win-win cooperation in health collaborations with Burkina Faso, in order to jointly build a China-Africa community in healthcare.

The 18th China Lecture
Wang Caixia, a young interpreter for the Chinese medical team in Burkina Faso said, she decided to stay longer in the country to provide interpreting services after finished her first term, because she was deeply touched by the close friendship between the Chinese medical team and the local people.
The patients they encountered ranged from 4 months to 80 years of age, many of them have not yet been cured despite of seeking treatments for a long time. One of the patients who suffered from migraine for 7 years said to the Chinese medical team, "You are my last hope". Thanks to the precise diagnosis and targeted treatment plans made by the Chinese medical teams, the patient’s pain was largely relieved. It is the African patients’ genuine smile and thankful works that kept members of the team moving forward in helping the locals.

Wang Hongyi is delivering a speech
Wang Hongyi, associate research fellow of the CAI said, Chinese medical teams have been working to strengthen medical aids in Africa by sending its medical teams to the continent, bringing out fruitful results for China-Africa health cooperation.
At the lecture, participants also had a discussion on topics such as how China’s experience could help Burkina Faso in its healthcare development, the health cooperation projects and future cooperation between the two sides.
Professor Li Xinfeng expected that the lecture could help more African people to learn about stories of Chinese medical teams saving lives and helping the wounded in Africa, so as to strengthen China-Africa friendship, and promote health cooperation between the two sides. He said, in collaboration with the CEDRES, the CAI will enhance academic exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and African thinks tanks, and promote mutual learning between Chinese and African civilizations.

Prof. Li Xinfeng is presenting Victor Sanon the book "100 Cases of Targeted Poverty Alleviation in China I-III" (French Version) edited by the CAI
The event was reported by local mainstream media organizations including Le Quotidien, Sidwaya, L'Express du Faso and Faso 7.

Group photo

The CAI hosts the 18th China Lecture in Algeria

The 18th China Lecture, co-hosted by China-Africa Institute (CAI) and Algeria-China Friendship Association was held at the School of Medicine, the University of Algiers 1, locally known as Algiers University in Algeria on March 6, 2024. Professor Merzak Gharnaout, Dean of the School of Medicine, the University of Algiers 1, and Zhao Pingsheng, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Algeria delivered speeches at the lecture themed “Stories of Chinese Medical Teams aiding Africa”.
Professor Li Xinfeng, executive president of the CAI; and Smail Debeche, president of the Algeria-China Friendship Association presided over the lecture. Smail Debeche has received the Chinese Government Friendship Award for outstanding foreign experts, and the Award for Excellent Contributions to China-Algeria Friendship. The event was attended by more than 50 people, including experts, members of the media, teachers and students from Algerian universities, and members of the 28th batch of Chinese medical team aiding Algeria.
On behalf of the University of Algiers 1, professor Merzak Gharnaout extended his warm welcome to the CAI delegations and members of the Chinese medical team attending the event. He spoke highly of the Chinese medical workers who have made great contribution to improve the health service in Algeria, and this lecture would inspire university teachers and students with revealing stories.

The 18th China Lecture 

Before the lecture, participants watched a documentary film marking the 60th anniversary of China dispatching its first medical team to Algeria. In his keynote speech, professor Liu Ronghua from Tongji Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), also head of the Chinese medical team stationed in Setif, shared stories of himself working as a gynaecology and obstetrics doctor in Setif and establishing deep friendships with the local people.
He told stories about an Algerian anesthesiologist named Mohammed who developed close friendship with Chinese doctors during work. Whenever Chinese surgeons need help during the operation Mohammed would be the first one to offer assistance. When members of the 28th batch of Chinese medical team aiding Algeria came to visit Mohammed, he hurried joyously to show them photos of him with his Chinese doctor friends. To celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival, Mohammed kindly invited the Chinese doctors along with three respectable elderly men in the village to his farm to see his beloved horses and taste local Algerian food.


Participants at the lecture watching documentary film marking the 60th anniversary of China dispatching its first medical team to Algeria
Doctor Liu Siming, from Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), also head of the TCM Center of Chinese medical team to Algeria shared a story about a 19-year-old Algerian boy who suffered from lumbago and severe pain in his right lower limb. She said, the young boy completely recovered after receiving acupuncture and cupping treatments and practicing Ba Duan Jin, an easy-to-learn physical exercise that is proven effective for health and fitness. Later he even introduced this traditional Chinese exercise to his mum. Doctor Liu Siming also spoke about TCM’s development in Algeria, its application, influence and prospects.
Wang Hongyi, associate research fellow of the CAI delivered a speech “History and prospect of China-Africa cooperation in Health”, focusing on four development stages, the characteristics and prospects of China-Africa cooperation in health.
Professor Li Xinfeng said, since the dispatch of the first medical team in April, 1963, China has sent medical workers of over 30,000 person times to Africa, who have treated about 230 million patients, including 30 million in Algeria, and helped to deliver 2 million babies. The Chinese medical teams in Africa were widely hailed by African people for their outstanding medical skills and good virtue, which fully illustrated the spirit of Chinese medical teams - "fearless of hardships, willingness to dedicate, saving lives and helping the wounded with boundless love".
Professor Li Xinfeng said, no matter how the world has changed over the past six decades, leaders of both China and Africa have attached great importance to the work of Chinese medical teams in Africa. The first Chinese medical team to Algeria had met twice with the former Algerian president Ahmed Ben Bella who highly appreciated their work in the country.
In February 2023, in his reply letter to members of the Chinese medical teams to Africa, Chinese president Xi Jinping extended his heartfelt regards to all those who are or were on China's international medical aid missions, as 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of the occasion when China sent its first medical aid team abroad. Professor Li Xinfeng noted that we should set the 60th anniversary as a starting point and continue to seek for innovation in cooperation, so as to make greater contribution to build a China-Africa community in health and China-Africa community with a shared future.

Group photo
In the Q & A session, African teachers and students said they were deeply touched by the dedication and great love of the Chinese medical teams in Africa. They had a communication with the team members on topics such as designation of the team members and the treatments of TCM and western medicine. The event was reported by Algerian medias including Algeria’s renowned newspaper and news media, La Patrie News and El Moudjahid.
During their visit in Algeria, the CAI delegations also visited the National Institute of Global Strategy Studies, Algeria-China Friendship Association, Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Democratic Republic of Algeria, and held meetings with representatives of Chinese enterprises in Algeria.

The 16th Africa Lecture held by CAI

The 16th Africa Lecture “Security Situation in the Sahel Region” was held by China-Africa Institute (CAI) on Dec. 9, 2023. Professor Adama Kpodar, president of the University of Lomé, Togo was invited to deliver a keynote speech. Professor Li Xinfeng, president of the CAI presided over the lecture. More than 70 people including scholars and experts of the CAI and other research institutes attended the lecture online and offline.

Professor Adama Kpodar is delivering speech
Professor Adama Kpodar focused his speech on the political restructuring of the Sahel countries. He pointed out that after becoming independent, the Sahel countries developed their political reforms in three stages: the period of military dictatorship (from post-independence to early 1990s), the period of multi-party democratization (from early 1990s to the first decade of the 21st Century) and the post-democratization period (from the first decade of the 21st Century to the present). When transiting from the first to the second period, the Sahel countries witnessed a rapid shift from centralization to decentralization and the prevailing disequilibrium of socio-economic development, contributing to the growth of extremism. Meanwhile, some administrators in the region failed to address the governance and development deficit issues in multi-party elections, therefore some marginalized areas and ethnic groups were forced to become followers or advocates of extremism.
The extremism-based terrorism is, by its very nature, the result of disequilibrium of socio-economic development caused by the ineffective governance of the Sahel countries. It is an issue of development seen in the sociocultural field. Professor Adama Kpodar believes that the key to fight against extremism and terrorism lies into the building of a modern nation-state with inclusive development as the support. While dealing with foreign interference, the Sahel countries should strive to promote social and economic reforms, enhance the resilience of development in the course of regional integration and national modernization, and build a strong foundation for security governance. 
Professor Adama Kpodar stressed the importance of development cooperation between China and the Sahel countries and spoke highly of China's participation in security affairs in the region. He said, it has set a good example for the international community and provided strong support for the Sahel countries to address their development and security deficit issues.

Professor Nkolo Foé is making comments
Professor Nkolo Foé, Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Yaoundé 1 in Cameroon, and the former vice president of Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) commented on the speech. He said, the security deficit in the Sahel region is essentially the result of the weak governance capacity and the demanding needs of African people for diversified development. It embodies the dialectics of Economical Base and Socio-Cultural Superstructure in the Africa field.
In the modern history of China, especially during the transition from New Democratic Revolution to Socialist revolution, China had endeavored to become a modern nation-state and continued to pursue national modernization by pushing forward governance with the aim to build China a strong and prosperous country and to accomplish national revitalization as well as to fulfil all Chinese people. Those experience has proposed Chinese wisdom, Chinese experience and Chinese solution for the Sahel countries to address the issue of deficit in governance, development and security, said professor Nkolo Foé.

Participants at the lecture
In the Q & A session, the Chinese scholars had an in-depth exchanges with professor Adama Kpodar and professor Nkolo Foé on the security situation in the Sahel region, the political reforms in Francophone African countries, China-Africa security cooperation and other topics.

Professor Li Xinfeng is presiding over the lecture
In the concluding speech, professor Li Xinfeng said that the African scholars outlined the causes, characteristics and impacts of the security situation in the Sahel region, and put forward policy suggestions for promoting security governance. Their speeches are insightful and valuable in both theory and practice, helping the Chinese academic community to break western research paradigms and discourse hegemony, while remaining objective in their research about Africa.
He said, the 16th Africa Lecture is not only a good start for exchanges and cooperation between the CAI and the University of Lomé, but also a solid step made by the CAI to promote China-Africa high-level development on people-to-people exchanges in the new era. It is hoped that the lecture could help scholars from China and Togo produce more high-quality research results, and thus contribute to the joint building of a China-Africa community with a shared future.

Group photo
 
 

African media reported on the 17th China Lecture

The 16th China Lecture held by CAI in Xizang

 
The 16th China Lecture, jointly hosted by China-Africa Institute (CAI), Xizang Academy of Social Sciences and the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Linzhi Municipal Committee, was held on Sept 1, 2023 in Linzhi, Xizang Autonomous Region.
 
Under the theme of “Achievements in Economic, Social and Cultural Development of Xizang in the New Era”, the lecture brought together more than 80 participants from the CAI, Xizang Academy of Social Sciences, and various organizations from Linzhi City and Motuo County. More than 40 government officials, scholars and university students from African countries such as Sierra Leone, Nigeria, South Africa attended the lecture online. Professor Wang Xiaoming, vice president of the CAI presided over the lecture.
 
Chinese officials and scholars shared their thoughts with African participants on the historic achievement and experience of lifting Xizang out of poverty and stepping into prosperity and stability along with the rest of the country. The speeches given by the scholars and officials reflected the remarkable achievements of successful governance strategy in the region under the leadership of the CPC in the new era.

Participants of the lecture in Linzhi, Xizang
 

Participants of the lecture at the University of Makeni (UNIMAK), Sierra Leone
 

Professor Wang Xiaoming is presiding over the lecture
Sun Xiangjun, Deputy director-genreal of the department of publicity of Xizang Autonomous Region, Secretary of the Leading Party Members’ Group of Xizang Academy of Social Sciences, said that since 2012 the CPC has attached great importance to the development in Xizang as Chinese president Xi Jinping has inspected the region many times and gave important instructions. Now the region has seen remarkable achievements in social stability and economic development with steady progress in building itself into a united, harmonious and prosperous society in the new era, Sun noted.
 
The city of Linzhi was chosen to be the main venue of the event, because its successful practice of modernization is a typical representative of that in Xizang. Today the region is embarking on a new journey of development in the new era. Our African friends are more than welcome to the region and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Sun said, we will continue to work together with our African friends to strengthen communication and cooperation, and build the China-Africa community for a shared future.
 

Sun Xiangjun is delivering a openning remarks
Xu Wuda, deputy director of the Rural Economy Institute of Xizang Academy of Social Sciences talked about the experience in eliminating absolute poverty in extremely high altitude areas of China. He noted that while addressing the poverty alleviation in Xizang, a precise poverty alleviation strategy was adopted based on the condition of the region. Precise strategies have to be made to deal with the selection of aid targets, project allocation, the use of funds, different measures for different households, assignment of officials in poverty-stricken areas and achievements in poverty alleviation. Targeted measures used for poverty alleviation such as production development, relocation, ecological compensation, education development and social security have been proved to be effective and offer solutions to the long-term problem of absolute poverty in the region.

Xu Wuda is delivering a lecture
Qin Songmao, Deputy Mayor of Linzhi municipal government talked about the great outcomes of historical reform in Linzhi which saw overall improvement in tourism, economic conditions, ecological environment, poverty alleviation and people’s livelihood. The city, home to 230,000 people, is now entering the new era of socialism with great rejuvenation under the the guidance of President Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It is vigorously showing the world its openness, inclusiveness as well as rich and prosperous culture, said Qin.
 

Qin Songmao is delivering a lecture
Professor Li Wengang, director of the Division of Ethnic and Religious Studies of CAI talked about the inheritance and development of Motuo folk culture in Xizang, with a focus on the culture of Menba People and Loba People, two of the main ethnic groups of Motuo. He said, the Menba People and Loba People enjoy long history and make an vital part of China’s traditional culture. He elaborated on the outcomes of taking multiple measures to protect and inherit the traditional culture of Motuo. Professor Li said that we should further promote the protection and inheritance of traditional culture in the county by making full use of the sustainable cultural tourism industry, investing more in training of talents of traditional culture, and encouraging exchanges and mutual learning among different traditional cultures. A good example of such cultural exchanges and mutual learning is that in 2014, Xizang Art Troupe made its African debut in Zimbabwe and Mauritius where the Chinese artists were warmly welcomed by the local people.
 

Professor Li Wengan is delivering a Lecture
Professor Yuan Wu, associate research fellow of the Division of Security studies of the CAI delivered a speech titled “The role of education in poverty alleviation-A case study of Motuo in Xizang”. He said, without the national grant for education, many children from poor families may have to drop out of school, leading to inter-generational transmission of poverty. Therefore, education is the key to block inter-generational transmission of poverty and cultivate the endogenic dynamics of the impoverish population. He also talked about the measures, achievements and enlightenment of poverty alleviation through education in Motuo. Professor Yuan expected that China and Africa could further strengthen cooperation and mutual learning in areas such as social and economic development as well as poverty alleviation through education, and therefore making contribution to the progress of human civilization.
 

Professor Yuan Wu is delivering a lecture
When making the concluding speech, Wu Qingjun, vice president of Xizang Academy of Social Sciences said, the lecture has fully captured the real imagine of Xizang, and helped to promote exchanges between China and Africa by sharing the achievements in economic, social and cultural development of Xizang in the new era. From an academic prospective, China Lecture was held with an attempt to tell African friends the stories about Xizang and foster exchanges and communications between thinks tanks in Africa and Xizang. It is conducive to the people-to-people exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations of China and Africa.

Wu Qingjun is making a concluding speech
Professor Adetoro Olaniyi Banwo, vice-dean of the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos in Nigeria, and Professor Alpha Mohamed Jalloh, director of the China-Africa Institute at the University of Makeni in Sierra Leone, hailed the achievements in poverty alleviation in Xizang. During interviews with local media, they said that if African countries can learn from these valuable experiences, they could create a better social environment.

Professor Alpha Mohamed Jalloh and professor Adetoro Olaniyi Banwo attending the lecture online
 

African scholars participating the lecture online
 
As one of the three major lectures of the CAI, the China Lecture invites influential Chinese scholars and China experts in African countries to address major practical issues in the development of China-Africa relations. They present Chinese stories and stories of China-Africa friendship to the African people.

The 14th Africa Lecture held by CAI

 
 
The 14th Africa Lecture was held online and offline by China-Africa Institute (CAI) on August 8, 2023 under the theme “Different Histories, Common Aspirations: quality development as the next frontier for BRICS Countries” . Professor Busani Ngcaweni, the Principal of the National School of Government, senior research fellow at the University of Johannesburg was invited to deliver a keynote speech. Professor Wang Xiaoming, vice-president of the CAI presided over the lecture.
 
 Professor Busani is delivering speech
 
Professor Ngcaweni talked about the partnership for prosperity through BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) with a focus on the evolution of China-Africa relationship, opportunities and challenges for Global South and the new frontiers for changes.
Professor Ngcaweni pointed out that despite of differences in development pathways, China and Africa have been enjoying mutual friendship founded on shared values and a desire for prosperity for all. China-Africa cooperation underlines the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, upholding multilateralism for achieving mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. China has been taking an active part in global governance and constantly pursuing opening policies, which has helped to boost South-South cooperation.
Professor Ngcaweni said, the biggest challenge for the Global South is dealing with poverty and inequality which is as a result of some factors: weak institutions, energy security, climate change, skills gaps, unemployment and so on. In terms of economic development, in order to promote industrialization and digital technology, Africa must strive to maintain safety in energy access, invest more in internet infrastructure and mitigate the effects of climate change while maintaining a decent growth rates.
Moreover, the continent’s education systems and skills training programs need urgent reform to ensure young people have the skills required for current and future employment. When talked about trade and economic cooperation, Professor Ngcaweni conveyed his idea that Africa should push forward multilateral structures of foreign trade and drive development in diverse markets, while exploring pathways for added value of export goods.
China has been promoting FOCAC (the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) since 2000 and contributed positively to Africa's development. Professor Ngcaweni expressed, BRICS and FOCAC are similar in their framework, and both play an vital role in promoting regional stability and development. He hoped to see greater infrastructure cooperation between China and Africa, and expected that the debt issue could be solved via financial aid.
Finally, Professor Ngcaweni shed light on the new frontiers for change. He presented that Global South countries should build state capacity to effectively manage state affairs and deliver socio-economic services to the people. Self-serving bureaucracies should be replaced with dynamic, innovative, ethical and competent bureaucrats and politicians who demonstrates greater levels of mastering statecraft. While investing more in vocational training and building better skills for workers in industrial sector, BRICS countries also need to accelerate technology transfer.
BRICS countries should speed energy transit to ensure diversified foreign capital inflows in the sector, and encourage settlement of accounts through local currency thus increasing their tradability. Professor Ngcaweni underlined that BRICS and the Global South need to intensify efforts to increase trade among themselves and promote people-to-people exchanges. The academic institutions in BRICS countries should strengthen cooperation in scientific research, and contribute to the implementation of national policies.
 
 Main venue of the lecture
 
In the Q and A session, Professor Ngcaweni and scholars of CAI had an in-depth discussion on topics related to BRICS Summit, Africa’s foreign relations, and the Global South studies. Professor Liu Naiya, director of Social and Cultural Studies Division of CAI, Professor Li Wengang, director of Ethical and Religious Studies Division of CAI, and Professor An Chunying, associate editor of Journal of West Asia and Africa and other scholars participated in the session. 
 
 Professor Wang Xiaoming presided over the lecture
 
In the conclusion speech, professor Wang Xiaoming appreciated Professor Ngcaweni for his wonderful speech. She said, Professor Ngcaweni briefed on the changes and opportunities for current international relations, offering a great inspiration for Chinese scholars to conduct studies in this field. 
Professor Ngcaweni pointed out that although the Global South countries are differ in history, politics, economic development and culture, they are facing common challenges in their development paths, and share common aspiration for prosperity, this has made them join hands to promote cooperation and communication.
Professor Wang Xiaoming said, CAI has signed a MOU with the National School of Government, University of Johannesburg to organize international conferences and seminars. On June this year, CAI held the 15th China Lecture in South Africa, which is a model for future cooperation between Chinese and African think tanks and scholars. CAI will continue to work with African think tanks and scholars to enhance China-Africa cooperation, and strive for mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.
 
 
 
The lecture was attended by more than 50 scholars and experts from CAI online and offline. It was held two weeks ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit which was scheduled for August 22-24, 2023 in South Africa. 
 
(Photo by Dong Jiacheng)

The 15th China Lecture wrapped up in Ethiopia

The 15th China Lecture wrapped up on June 15, 2023 in Ethiopia with China-Africa Institute (CAI) hosting a lecture focusing on poverty alleviation and stability, China-Africa cooperation in security governance and other topics. After the lecture, delegation of the CAI held talks with officers from African Union (AU) Commission, U.N. Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and academic institutions in Ethiopia.
Chaired by Zhou Yunfan, vice president of CAI, the lecture was jointly organized by CAI and the Institute for Peace & Security Studies, Addis Ababa University (AAU), and attended by nearly 40 researchers, scholars and students. Mercy Fekadu, assistant professor and deputy director of Institute for Peace & Security Studies, AAU said, Africa has long been suffering from peace deficit, and it is an urgent to promote peace in Africa via policy dialogue, this is why the Institute for Peace & Security Studies is established. Whereas China proposed the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Global Security Initiative (GSI) based on its development practices. Dr. Mercy Fekadu expected the lecture given by the Chinese scholars could help their African counterparts draw aspirations from Chinese modernization and its experience in promoting global governance.
 
Professor Wu Guobao is delivering speech
 

Dr. Deng Yanting is delivering speech
At the lecture, Wu Guobao, professor of Rural Development Institute and the director of Center for Poverty Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) talked about the achievements and experiences of poverty alleviation in China, reducing poverty and maintaining social stability, common prosperity and sustainable peace. Dr. Deng Yanting, deputy director of the Division of Security Studies of CAI talked about the notion of GSI, the significance of Initiative of Peaceful Development in the Horn of Africa, as well as opportunities and challenges of China-Africa security cooperation.
 
Scholars of CAI, Dr. Mercy Fekadu (third left, front row) and officers from Institute for Peace & Security Studies
African scholars at the lecture noted that China put forward its peaceful development initiative that is development-based, characterized by mutual respect and in way of peaceful talk. On the other hand, western countries adopted their peaceful development model by playing zero sum game, stirring up troubles and being radical. Obviously, the former is more conform to the reality of vast developing countries including those in Africa.
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Scholars of CAI, officers of AU Commission and Mission of the People's Republic of China to the African Union
On June 14, 2023, with the support of the Mission of the People's Republic of China to the AU, delegation of CAI paid a visit to the AU Commission and held talks with Emile Rwagasana, Deputy Chief Of Staff, AU on exchanges and cooperation between AU and CAI. On June 15, 2023, the delegation visited the UNECA, and held talks with Sweta Chaman Saxena, Chief of Staff & Director OiC, Gender, Poverty & Social Policy Division, UNECA, and experts of the division and the Strategic, Planning and Oversights Division (SPORD), in regard of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, poverty alleviation and China-Ethiopia cooperation and other topics. The delegation also visited the Confucius Institute, Addis Ababa University, and communicated with the Chinese Principal Gao Lili and university students on youth communication between China and Ethiopia.

Scholars of CAI, officers of UNECA and Mission of the People's Republic of China to the African Union
The 15th China Lecture was held from June 5 to June 15, 2023 in South Africa, Tanzania and Ethiopia respectively with scholars giving six lectures in total. Chinese scholars also interacted with parliament members of the above three countries, government officials, young leaders, experts from universities and think tanks as well as reporters and young people in Africa, making exchanges on a wide range of topics such as the Chinese economic growth, China’s experience in poverty alleviation, national governance and the significance of China-Africa cooperation. The exchanges are said to expound the Chinese wisdom, Chinese experience and Chinese solution that are implied by Chinese modernization.
  
 
 
 
 

Scholars hail China‘s poverty alleviation efforts at 15th China Lecture in Tanzania

The 15th  China Lecture took place in Tanzania from June 9 to June 13, 2023 after the events in South Africa, with lectures focusing on economic growth, poverty alleviation, education and China-Tanzania cooperation.

Zhou Yunfan, vice president of CAI presided over the event 
The first lecture was jointly held by China-Africa Institute (CAI) and the Center for International Policy-Africa (CIP-Africa) in Der es Salaam, Tanzania on June 10, 2023. Zhou Yunfan, vice president of CAI presided over the event and Omar Mjenga, president and chief executive officer of CIP-Africa addressed a lecture on China's experiences of poverty alleviation. The lecture was attended by more than 30 people, including diplomats from Uganda, South Sudan and other African countries, as well as scholars from University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) Centre For Chinese Studies (CCS) and think tanks in Tanzania.
 

Mr. Omar Mjenga is delivering a speech
China and Tanzania enjoys long-standing friendship, and the TAZARA Railway, one of the main Chinese-supported projects In Tanzania, is a milestone in the history of China-Africa friendship. In March 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping chose Tanzania as the first stop of his first visit to Africa as China's new president, and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is the first African head of state who visited China after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, implying the importance of China-Tanzania relations. China and Tanzania should enhance communication between think tanks, thereby inject new vitality into the long-standing China-Tanzania friendship, said Mr. Omar Mjenga.
 
Professor Cai Fang, former Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), former president of CAI, and Chief Expert of National Think Tank at CASS spoke on the contribution of economic recovery to poverty alleviation in China; Dr. Wu Guobao, professor of Rural Development Institute and the director of Center for Poverty Studies at CASS talked about the approaches and experiences of poverty alleviation in China; and Dr. Deng Yanting, deputy director of the Division of Security Studies of CAI talked about implication of China's experience for China-Tanzania cooperation.
 

Dr. Wu Guobao is delivering a speech
African officials and scholars at the lecture spoke highly of China’s efforts in poverty alleviation and the idea of people-centered development. They said that the lecture was very enriching and Africa could borrow a leaf from China and see how the continent can move forward in alleviating poverty. Africa including Tanzania need help from China in order to push forward inclusive growth in post-pandemic era and deepen China-Tanzania comprehensive strategic partnership.
 

Zhou Yunfan is presenting the English version of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China IV to Mr. Omar Mjenga 
The second event of the 15th China Lecture was held at Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School in Kibaha, Pwani Region on June 11, 2023. Chaired by Marcelina Chijoriga, principal of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School, the lecture was attended by more than 140 members of the six sister parties, a coalition of Africa’s six political parties, namely CCN, ANC, MPLA, FRELIMO, ZANU-PF and SWAPO.
 

Marcelina Chijoriga presided over the lecture 
Professor Cai Fang delivered a keynote speech on demographic dividend and modernization development in Africa, and Dr. Deng Yanting shared approaches and experience of China-Africa cooperation in the new era. The Chinese scholars had a heated discussion with members of the six sister parties, covering topics such as national governance, communication between Chinese and African parties, as well as opportunities and challenges of China-Africa cooperation.
 

Professor Cai Fang is delivering a keynote speech 
Professor Marcelina Chijoriga and members of the six parties noted that China once offered its strong support to the liberation movements in southern Africa, marking a splendid chapter in the history of China-Africa friendship. Now the two sides are continuing their friendly ties by mutual learning, driving forward the exploration of both theories and practice of Chinese modernization. Such mutual learning and exchanges will also give support to Africa in tackling issues in reform and construction and improving governance effectiveness, in particularly for countries under the ruling of the six sister parties, to engage in a new wave of liberation movement that focuses on coalition and development.
 

Dr. Deng Yanting is delivering a speech 
The third event of the 15th China Lecture took place at the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) on June 13, 2023. Chaired by Mohammad Makame Haji, principal of SUZA, the lecture was attended by nearly 100 people from SUZA and other universities.
 

Mohammad Makame Haji persided over the lecture
China-Tanzania relations have set a good example for China-Africa relations, and Zanzibar has been remaining close exchanges and cooperation with China. Chinese scholars are helping Zanzibar by sharing their views on national governance via China Lecture, promoting Zanzibar’s social and economic development, upgrade its industrial structure, and advance the development of its vocational education, said Mohammad Makame Haji. At the lecture, Dr. Deng Yanting talked about the main approaches and achievements of China-Tanzania cooperation; Dr. Wu Guobao talked about China-Africa cooperation in poverty alleviation; Jia Peng, associate research fellow of the Institute for Population and Labor Economics, CASS, addressed a speech titled “Education and Job Tasks in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”.
 

Jia Peng is delivering a speech
As the world’s largest developing country, China’s experience carries great significance for other developing countries in Africa. Thanks to the organization of China Lecture, African scholars could have face-to-face communication with the Chinese scholars to listen to what China has to say, and to help China-Tanzania friendship to grow and enjoy even brighter future.
 

Chinese scholars communicating with teachers and students of State University of Zanzibar
On June 11, 2023, The delegation of CAI visited DSM Tazara Railway Station and communicated with the authority on the transportation, rail routes, maintenance of the trains, and technical training of Tazara Railway. On June 12, 2023, the delegation visited Confucius Institute, University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and communicated with Zhang Xiaozhen, principal of the institute as well as African students on China-Africa youth exchanges. The delegation also met with Lela Muhamed Mussa, Minister of Education and Vocational Training, and had an in-depth discussion on strengthening academic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between China and Tanzania.

Professor Cai Fang is presenting a gift from CAI to Lela Muhamed Mussa
 
 
 

CAI hosts the 15th China Lecture in South Africa

The 15th China Lecture kicked off on June 6, 2023 in South Africa with the theme “Poverty Alleviation and Governance”. The event was hosted by China-Africa Institute (CAI) with the support of the Consulate-General of the people's republic of China in Cape Town and the National School of Government (NSG), South Africa. It is aimed to present Chinese wisdom, Chinese solution and Chinese experience to African politicians, scholars of thinks tanks and African media, with a focus on topics such as economic growth, poverty alleviation and China-Africa cooperation in the new era. It is the first time China Lecture been held in Africa since CAI started its “three lectures” (namely The Africa Lecture, The China Lecture and The Ambassador Lecture).
 

Cai Fang is delivering speech at the lecture in Cape Town
At the first event of the lecture which was held on June 6, 2023 in Cape Town, professor Cai Fang, former Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), former president of CAI, and Chief Expert of National Think Tank at CASS gave a lecture on the topic of Chinese economic development. The event was presided over by Consul-General You Wenze and attended by more than 60 representatives from South African National Assembly and National Council of Provinces as well as government officials of Western Cape Province.
 

Consul-General You Wenze is presiding over the lecture
Professor Cai Fang said, "This year saw a good start of the Chinese economy. I believe that as China steadily unleashes the dynamism and potential of its economy, it will inject confidence and strength for world economy recovery and bring more development opportunities for South Africa and other African countries."
"Thanks for the opportunity to have a face-to-face communication with Chinese experts. It helps South Africa people better understand the achievements of Chinese governance, and promote exchanges and mutual learning among developing countries, so that we could make contributions for global peace and development in such a world of profound changes," said Mr. Solomon Lechesa Tsenoli, the Deputy Speaker of National Assembly of the Republic of South Africa.
"This kind of high-quality people-to-people exchanges feature lectures given by Chinese experts. It will offer valuable Intellectual support for China and Africa to foster the mutual benefit and win-win cooperation and work together to tackle common challenges, and therefore help China-Africa friendship make steady improvement," said Sylvia Lucas, Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces of South Africa.

Wu Guobao is delivering speech at the lecture in Pretoria, South Africa
Another event of the 15th China Lecture was held in Pretoria, South Africa on June 8, 2023 with Professor Cai Gang and Dr. Wu Guobao, professor of Rural Development Institute and the director of Center for Poverty Studies at CASS giving lectures on the topic of Chinese economic development and Chinese alleviation.
  
Busani Ngcaweni, principal of the National School of Government (NSG), South Africa
Prof. Busani Ngcaweni, principal of the National School of Government (NSG), South Africa presided over the event which was attended online and offline by more than 400 people from seven African countries including South Africa and Kenya. Cai Fang briefed on the features and Chinese economic development and its contributions to world economy. Wu Guobao talked through the history and significance of Chinese poverty alleviation. In the Q & A session, the two speakers had a discussion with online participants on topics such as the building of leadership, inclusive development, energy structure transformation, China-Africa cooperation in International capacity.
African scholars and government officials spoke highly of China’s efforts in poverty alleviation and economic development. They noted that China’s achievement is a miracle of leadership building by the Communist Party of China (CPC). The exploration of Chinese modernization is not only a achievement of the Chinese people, but also has global significance. China's experience, solutions and wisdom can offer inspiration for African countries in seeking of their own development.

A delegation of CAI stayed in South Africa from June 5 to June 9, 2023, paying visit to South African think tanks and holding talks on people-to-people exchanges between Africa and China. Members of the delegation includes Zhou Yunfan, vice-president of the CAI, Ma Jun, director of the Division of International Exchanges of the CAI, Dr. Deng Yanting, deputy director of the Division of Security Studies of CAI and Jia Peng, associate research fellow of the Institute for Population and Labor Economics, CASS.
On June 5, 2023, the delegation visited the School of Economics at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and held talks with professor Anthony Black on carrying out joint researches on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Africa economic growth in the post-pandemic era.
On June 7, 2023, the delegation visited the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) in Pretoria, and held talks with professor Sarah Mosoetsa, CEO of HSRC on strengthening strategic cooperation between the two sides.
On June 8, 2023, the delegation visited the University of Johannesburg (UJ), and held talks with professor Sehaam Khan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UJ, professor Kammila Naidoo, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, UJ, and other African experts, covering topics such as joint researches and overseas visit study.
The 15th China Lecture will also take place in Tanzania and Ethiopia following the events in South Africa.
  
 
 
 
 

The 2nd Conference on Dialogue Between Chinese and African Civilizations held in Beijing

 

The 2nd Conference on Dialogue Between Chinese and African Civilizations was held from May 16 to May 17, 2023 in Beijing with the theme “Chinese Modernization and Africa's Development Path”. The event aims to strengthen exchanges of modernization and development path in China and Africa, and promote mutual learning between Chinese and African civilizations.
 
The opening speeches were addressed by Gao Xiang, president of Chinese Academy of Social Science (CASS) and the Chinese Academy of History (CAH); Rahamtalla M. Osman, Permanent Representative of the African Union to China；Liu Yuxi, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on African Affairs；Monday Semaya Kenneth Kumba, ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan to China. Gao Xiang presented four-volumes of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (Chinese editions, English editions and French editions) to African scholars at the opening ceremony. The opening ceremony was hosted by Zhen Zhanmin, vice president of CASS.
 

Gao Xiang is delivering a speech 
Gao Xiang extended a warm welcome to the guests and congratulated on the opening of the 2nd Conference on Dialogue Between Chinese and African Civilizations. He said, “Today, our world, our times and history are changing in ways like never before. The historical trends of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit are unstoppable. Yet, the hegemonic, high-handed and bullying acts of using strength to intimidate the weak, taking from others by force and subterfuge, and playing zero-sum games are exerting grave harm, and the deficits in peace, development and governance have increased.”
 
“The Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) proposed by President Xi Jinping is based on the characteristics of the times and the development of human civilization. It is committed to address issues during the process of the modernization of human society, and infused with great confidence and strength in promoting harmony and coexistence of different civilizations and the progress of human civilization,” he said.
 
Gao Xiang highlighted that diversity spurs interaction among civilizations, which in turn promotes mutual learning and their further development. According to GCI, we advocate robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. He said, “China and Africa should work together to implement GCI and to explore the building of a global network for people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, and to enrich the contents of exchanges and expand avenues of cooperation in order to advocate exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. China is willing to support African countries in seeking of the development path that suits their own conditions, and share opportunities brought by Chinese modernization. China is willing to joint hands with our African brothers on the path of modernization for the building of a China-Africa community with a shared future. ”

Mr. Rahamtalla M. Osman is delivering a speech  
Mr. Rahamtalla M. Osman, Permanent Representative of the African Union to China said, “GCI is another important public product offered by China to the international community in order to address global challenges and create a better future for mankind, alongside the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative. It embodies the Chinese wisdom and Chinese approach and has pushed China's dialogue with world civilizations to a new height.”
 
Ambassador Osman said, “Throughout history, both African and Chinese civilizations are indispensable parts of human civilization. For thousands of years, with long history and solid foundation, African and Chinese civilizations have made great contributions to the development of human societies. In the history, western countries engaged in constant slavery and aggression against Africa under the camouflage of “civilizing mission”, and derogated Africa as the “continent without civilization”, and the African people as the “victims needed to be saved from suffering”. As a matter of fact, they had been playing tricks in the attempt to seize Africa's natural resources and enslave its people. However, the rapid development of Africa and its rising international status has once again proved the strong vitality of ancient African civilization. Indeed, African is displaying to the world its rich civilization and huge influence in their exchanges with the Chinese civilization.”
 
He expected further culture exchanges and mutual learning of civilization between China and Africa, hoping that the two sides could work together and make greater contribution to the course of human civilization.

Liu Yuxi is delivering a speech 
Liu Yuxi, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on African Affairs said, “Chinese modernization is the socialist modernization under the leadership of CPC. It has Chinese characteristics and suits for China itself. It helps China to achieve fast economic development and long-term social stability while promoting common prosperity and development for the building of a shared future for mankind. Chinese modernization is bond to provide more opportunities and bring benefits to more people including that of Africa. On the other hand, since the start of the new century, the AU has led African countries in accelerating the integration process and endogenous development. Many African countries have seen stable long-term economic growth, and Africa became one the fastest growing regions in the world. ”
 
“The development advantages of China and Africa are highly complementary, and the prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation are broad. As the most reliable strategic partner of Africa, China has been committed to support Africa by connecting its 40 years experience of opening and reform with African countries’ efforts in seeking sustainable development path, and connecting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with AU’s Agenda 2063 and other development strategies in Africa,” said Liu.

Ambassador Monday Semaya Kenneth Kumba is delivering a speech 
Monday Semaya Kenneth Kumba, ambassador of South Sudan to China suggested that the theme of the conference “Chinese Modernization and Africa's Development Path” shows the concerns of people around the world. China and Africa who are the strategic partners have carried out cooperation in a wide range of fields. With China’s support, Africa has become one of the fastest growing regions in the world.
 
“China's proposals for jointly building the BRI, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative are very important for Africa, and African countries fully support those initiatives. Africa has a positive view of China's role, as China does not interfere in our internal affairs and supports the independent development of African countries,” said ambassador Monday.

Zhen Zhanmin, Vice President of CASS is delivering a speech
At the opening ceremony, Gao Xiang presented four-volumes of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (Chinese editions, English editions and French editions) to the African scholars.
 

Gao Xiang presenting President Xi's books to African scholars
 “Thanks for this gift. This is very important for us. I started reading President Xi’s books years ago to try to learn about Xi’s thoughts. I found that there are many commonalities among Chinese leaders. Those books will be displayed in our university libraries for more people to read, so that it can better help us understand and study China,” said Professor Nkolo Foé, professor of the University of Yaoundé 1, Cameroon and member of the International Consultative Committee of China-Africa Institute (CAI).
 

Zhou Hong is delivering a speech
Gao Xiang said, “Xi’s important thoughts are regarded as the banner and soul of CPC and the Chinese nation in the new era. We are not going to understand today’s China, understand CPC, understand the Chinese miracle of modernization and the Chinese nation’s development path of great rejuvenation, unless we study the important thoughts of President Xi Jinping. I hope that by reading Xi’s books, we can deepen exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and African civilization. I hope that it will help African scholars and friends better understand the CPC and the Chinese nation today. I hope that you can draw inspirations from Xi’s thoughts for realizing modernization of your own country.”
 

Professor Nkolo Foé is delivering a speech
Four scholars delivered speeches during the keynote session. Professor Nkolo Foé said, “Both China and Africa suffered from colonialism and imperialism, and have fought against it in their history. Now Africa has achieved independence and liberation, but we must not forget our history, especially the history of slavery. Today, we embarked on our new journey, we have equipped with new thoughts and we know what we fight for. Now the western countries are bringing pressures to Africa, hoping to see confrontations between Africa and China and Russia. This is wrong and we should stay alert.”
 

Huang Qunhui is delivering a speech
“Chinese modernization is a vital innovation that is based on four theories: people-centered theory, the national condition theory, the coordinated development and peaceful development. It sets a model for developing countries in seeking of their own modernization, and offers the Chinese wisdom for promoting world peace and human progress,” said Huang Qunhui, director and research fellow of the Institute of Economics, CASS.
 

Professor Peter Kagwanja is delivering a speech 
Peter Kagwanja, president of the Africa Policy Institute in Kenya said, “The ever-deepening China-Africa ties have advanced the fast growth in Africa. Now the exchanges between Chinese and African civilizations are closer than ever. The GDI, GSI and GCI proposed by China uphold the common interests of the world. Africa has the responsibility to support those initiatives and strive to safeguard the common interests of the world. Chinese modernization and African modernization are two different modernization models with different civilizations and paths, but they share common goals and directions. That is to jointly build a China-Africa community for shared future.”
 

Li Anshan is delivering a speech  
Li Anshan, professor of Peking University, and honorary president of Chinese Society of African Historical Studies said, “Since 1978，China has been making great efforts to achieve fast economic growth. Now it has transferred from a poor country to the world’s second economy. China’s development offers inspiration for Africa, because China and Africa have similar experiences, they both suffered from plundering and invasion by western countries, and have valiantly fought against it in their history. China is a country with huge population and rich civilization. It upholds socialism with Chinese characteristics and adopts a political system of its own. If a country like China can realize development, then a Southern country can also make it. If China and Africa could join hands, together they can build a better future.”

 

Chairman and speakers at session 1
 

Chairman and speakers at session 2
 

Chairman and speakers at session 3
 

Chairman and speakers at session 4 
There are four subtopics been discussed at the conference, namely Global Civilization Initiative and Mutual Learning Between Chinese and African Civilizations; The 60th Anniversary of the Organization of African Unity and Friendship Between China and Africa; Exploration of Path to Modernization in China and Africa; China-Africa Joint Building of Belt and Road with High-Quality and Africa’s Development.
 

Professor Charles Onunaiju is delivering a speech
Charles Onunaiju, director of the Center for China Studies in Nigeria and member of the International Consultative Committee of CAI pointed out in his concluding speech that only by starting from a historical perspective can we see opportunities brought by history, and reach consensus between countries.
 
“China has always been learning from the history and respecting the history; therefore, China is able to tell the truth and grab the opportunity brought by the history. By exchanges ideas at a conference like this, now we have learned why China has made such huge progress, and how it went through a development path within only decades while it took hundreds of years for developed countries to do so. As a scholar, I will bring back the stories we heard in China today and try to stop rumors spread by western countries. Thank the host for offering us this opportunity for exchange. I believe we will see more cooperation going on between China and Africa in the future,” said Professor Onunaiju.
 

Li Xinfeng is delivering a speech 
Li Xinfeng, Executive President of CAI said at the closing ceremony, “We had an in-depth discussion about how mutual learning of civilization play an important role in development, and we have agreed on the following four points. Firstly, both China and Africa are exploring their own paths to modernization, which is the key for exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and African civilizations. Secondly, China-Africa high-quality construction of the BRI offers a practical platform for exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and African civilizations. Thirdly, the implementation of GCI points out the development path for exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and African civilizations. Lastly, Africa’s efforts in self-development and unity offers new opportunities for exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and African civilizations. I believe that through joint efforts, the exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and African civilizations will set an example for other civilizations in the world to engage in their exchanges and mutual learning, and therefore help to create a new form of human civilization.”
 

Wang Xiaoming, Vice President of CAI is delivering a speech 
The conference was attended by more than 100 people, including Chinese scholars and journalists, 12 scholars from Cameroon, Kenya, Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria, Mali and Ethiopia and other African countries, as well as the Permanent Representative of the African Union to China, the Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan to China, the Minister Counsellor of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to China, and the First Counsellor of the Republic of Senegal to China. The event was broadcast live with more than 8,800 people watching online.
 
 
 

The 17th Ambassador Lecture held by CAI

 

 

The 17th Ambassador Lecture was held by China-Africa Institute (CAI) on April 11, 2023 with Ibrahima Sory Sylla, the Senegalese ambassador to China delivering a keynote speech on “China-Africa relations in the current geopolitics context”. Prof. Li Xinfeng, the executive president of CAI presided over the lecture. The lecture was attended by more than 40 people including Prof. Wang Xiaoming, vice president of CAI and scholars of the institute.
 
  
Ambassador Ibrahima Sory Sylla is delivering speech
Ambassador Ibrahima Sory Sylla reviewed the African history of enslavement and colonialism. He said, the Transatlantic slave trade and the colonialism are the main cause of slow development of the African continent which is regarded as lying on the periphery of global politic and economic systems. China also suffered from the Imperialist aggression. The similar history of the two nations has helped to pave the way for the stable development of China-Africa relations. 
 
  
Main venue of the lecture
Both China and Africa took part in the Bandung Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement, which was the first time the developing countries tried to work together to fight against hegemonism under the principle of nonalignment and nonintervention. China and Africa are continuing to make joint efforts so as to advance the building of a new order for international politics that is sound and equitable, said ambassador Ibrahima Sory Sylla. China has been offering political support for Africa to strive for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, while strengthening economic and trade cooperation with African countries under the umbrella of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and supporting them in the development of industrialization.
 
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Global Development Initiative (GDI) advocated by Chinese President Xi Jinping is a clear illustration of the idea of mutual respect and win-win cooperation in international relations. They could be conductive to reaching the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Ambassador Ibrahima Sory Sylla noted that African countries could learn from China’s experiences in infrastructure construction, industrialization, modernization of agriculture and poverty alleviation.
 
  
Main venue of the lecture
In the Q & A session, ambassador Ibrahima Sory Sylla exchanges ideas with CAI scholars on Chinese path to modernization, key fields of cooperation between China and Africa and other topics.
 
Prof. Li Xinfeng expressed his gratitude to ambassador Ibrahima Sory Sylla for his speech that is said to be informative and shows grand visions, strong contrast and clear opinions. He said that the speech helps Chinese scholars to study China-Africa relations under the current geopolitics contexts from an African prospective.
 
After the lecture, on behalf of the CAI, Prof. Li Xinfeng presented a bamboo slip as a gift to ambassador Ibrahima Sory Sylla.
 

Prof. Li Xinfeng presenting a bamboo slip to ambassador Ibrahima Sory Sylla
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（Photo by Dong Jiacheng）

The 14th Africa Lecture held by CAI

 
The 14th Africa Lecture was held online and offline by China-Africa Institute (CAI) on August 8, 2023 under the theme “Different Histories, Common Aspirations: quality development as the next frontier for BRICS Countries” . Professor Busani Ngcaweni, the Principal of the National School of Government, senior research fellow at the University of Johannesburg was invited to deliver a keynote speech. Professor Wang Xiaoming, vice-president of the CAI presided over the lecture.

Professor Busani is delivering speech
Professor Ngcaweni talked about the partnership for prosperity through BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) with a focus on the evolution of China-Africa relationship, opportunities and challenges for Global South and the new frontiers for changes.
Professor Ngcaweni pointed out that despite of differences in development pathways, China and Africa have been enjoying mutual friendship founded on shared values and a desire for prosperity for all. China-Africa cooperation underlines the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, upholding multilateralism for achieving mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. China has been taking an active part in global governance and constantly pursuing opening policies, which has helped to boost South-South cooperation.
Professor Ngcaweni said, the biggest challenge for the Global South is dealing with poverty and inequality which is as a result of some factors: weak institutions, energy security, climate change, skills gaps, unemployment and so on. In terms of economic development, in order to promote industrialization and digital technology, Africa must strive to maintain safety in energy access, invest more in internet infrastructure and mitigate the effects of climate change while maintaining a decent growth rates.
Moreover, the continent’s education systems and skills training programs need urgent reform to ensure young people have the skills required for current and future employment. When talked about trade and economic cooperation, Professor Ngcaweni conveyed his idea that Africa should push forward multilateral structures of foreign trade and drive development in diverse markets, while exploring pathways for added value of export goods.
China has been promoting FOCAC (the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) since 2000 and contributed positively to Africa's development. Professor Ngcaweni expressed, BRICS and FOCAC are similar in their framework, and both play an vital role in promoting regional stability and development. He hoped to see greater infrastructure cooperation between China and Africa, and expected that the debt issue could be solved via financial aid.
Finally, Professor Ngcaweni shed light on the new frontiers for change. He presented that Global South countries should build state capacity to effectively manage state affairs and deliver socio-economic services to the people. Self-serving bureaucracies should be replaced with dynamic, innovative, ethical and competent bureaucrats and politicians who demonstrates greater levels of mastering statecraft. While investing more in vocational training and building better skills for workers in industrial sector, BRICS countries also need to accelerate technology transfer.
BRICS countries should speed energy transit to ensure diversified foreign capital inflows in the sector, and encourage settlement of accounts through local currency thus increasing their tradability. Professor Ngcaweni underlined that BRICS and the Global South need to intensify efforts to increase trade among themselves and promote people-to-people exchanges. The academic institutions in BRICS countries should strengthen cooperation in scientific research, and contribute to the implementation of national policies.

Main venue of the lecture
In the Q and A session, Professor Ngcaweni and scholars of CAI had an in-depth discussion on topics related to BRICS Summit, Africa’s foreign relations, and the Global South studies. Professor Liu Naiya, director of Social and Cultural Studies Division of CAI, Professor Li Wengang, director of Ethical and Religious Studies Division of CAI, and Professor An Chunying, associate editor of Journal of West Asia and Africa and other scholars participated in the session. 

Professor Wang Xiaoming presided over the lecture
In the conclusion speech, professor Wang Xiaoming appreciated Professor Ngcaweni for his wonderful speech. She said, Professor Ngcaweni briefed on the changes and opportunities for current international relations, offering a great inspiration for Chinese scholars to conduct studies in this field. 
Professor Ngcaweni pointed out that although the Global South countries are differ in history, politics, economic development and culture, they are facing common challenges in their development paths, and share common aspiration for prosperity, this has made them join hands to promote cooperation and communication.
Professor Wang Xiaoming said, CAI has signed a MOU with the National School of Government, University of Johannesburg to organize international conferences and seminars. On June this year, CAI held the 15th China Lecture in South Africa, which is a model for future cooperation between Chinese and African think tanks and scholars. CAI will continue to work with African think tanks and scholars to enhance China-Africa cooperation, and strive for mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.

The lecture was attended by more than 50 scholars and experts from CAI online and offline. It was held two weeks ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit which was scheduled for August 22-24, 2023 in South Africa. 
(Photo by Dong Jiacheng)

The 18th China Lecture held in Burkina Faso

The 18th China Lecture, co-hosted by China-Africa Institute (CAI) and Center for the Study of Documentation and Economic and Social Research (CEDRES), Burkina Faso was successfully held in the capital city Ouagadougou on March 10, 2024. Victor Sanon, Executive Director of the CEDRES; Mr. Wang Wenzhang, Charge d'Affaires of Chinese Embassy in Burkina Faso delivered speeches at the lecture themed "The stories of Chinese Medical Teams aiding Africa".
Professor Li Xinfeng, executive president of the CAI, and Gilda Compaoré, head of the Communications Department of the CEDRES presided over the lecture. The event was attended by more than 40 people including members of the 6th batch of Chinese medical team in Burkina Faso, experts, teachers and students, officials of the Ministry of Health and members of the media.

The 18th China Lecture
Victor Sanon extended his warm welcome to the CAI delegations and stressed the importance of exchanges and cooperation between China and Burkina Faso. Mr. Wang Wenzhang expressed his gratitude towards the CEDRES for organizing the event, and hoped this lecture could help local people to better understand the health cooperation between China and Burkina Faso.

Member of the Chinese medical team in Burkina Faso is delivering a speech
In his keynote speech, Doctor Chen Daohu, head of the Chinese medical team in Burkina Faso made an detailed introduction about the achievements in medical and health exchanges and collaborations between China and Burkina Faso. He said, the Chinese medical teams have carried out free surgeries for two sessions, helping a total of 396 cataract patients restore sight. They also donated a large number of pharmaceutical drugs and medical equipment to hospitals across Burkina Faso every year. In addition, the acupuncture and moxibustion therapies have helped many African patients relieve chronic pains and overcome functional disorders.
Doctor Chen told a story about Ma Lan, a doctor from the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Hospital of Wuhu city in Anhui Province, and a member of the Chinese medical team in Burkina Faso. Her first patient was a 80-year-old man with high paraplegia. His family decided to choose rehabilitation instead of surgery as the treatment, so they went to see Doctor Ma to have a try. The patient was treated with TCM therapies including acupuncture, cupping, electropuncture, moxibustion and auricular therapy. Unexpectedly, the treatments were proved to be effective as the old man was able to walk on his own with walking aids rather than sitting on a wheelchair. The TCM therapy works like magic, bringing the old man hope to a new life. He even said he would like his grandson to go to China and study TCM.
Doctor Chen said, the Chinese medical teams will continue to work with local medical workers to provide sound health services for people in Burkina Faso. They will strive to promote mutual learning, common development and win-win cooperation in health collaborations with Burkina Faso, in order to jointly build a China-Africa community in healthcare.

The 18th China Lecture
Wang Caixia, a young interpreter for the Chinese medical team in Burkina Faso said, she decided to stay longer in the country to provide interpreting services after finished her first term, because she was deeply touched by the close friendship between the Chinese medical team and the local people.
The patients they encountered ranged from 4 months to 80 years of age, many of them have not yet been cured despite of seeking treatments for a long time. One of the patients who suffered from migraine for 7 years said to the Chinese medical team, "You are my last hope". Thanks to the precise diagnosis and targeted treatment plans made by the Chinese medical teams, the patient’s pain was largely relieved. It is the African patients’ genuine smile and thankful works that kept members of the team moving forward in helping the locals.

Wang Hongyi is delivering a speech
Wang Hongyi, associate research fellow of the CAI said, Chinese medical teams have been working to strengthen medical aids in Africa by sending its medical teams to the continent, bringing out fruitful results for China-Africa health cooperation.
At the lecture, participants also had a discussion on topics such as how China’s experience could help Burkina Faso in its healthcare development, the health cooperation projects and future cooperation between the two sides.
Professor Li Xinfeng expected that the lecture could help more African people to learn about stories of Chinese medical teams saving lives and helping the wounded in Africa, so as to strengthen China-Africa friendship, and promote health cooperation between the two sides. He said, in collaboration with the CEDRES, the CAI will enhance academic exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and African thinks tanks, and promote mutual learning between Chinese and African civilizations.

Prof. Li Xinfeng is presenting Victor Sanon the book "100 Cases of Targeted Poverty Alleviation in China I-III" (French Version) edited by the CAI
The event was reported by local mainstream media organizations including Le Quotidien, Sidwaya, L'Express du Faso and Faso 7.

Group photo

The CAI hosts the 18th China Lecture in Algeria

The 18th China Lecture, co-hosted by China-Africa Institute (CAI) and Algeria-China Friendship Association was held at the School of Medicine, the University of Algiers 1, locally known as Algiers University in Algeria on March 6, 2024. Professor Merzak Gharnaout, Dean of the School of Medicine, the University of Algiers 1, and Zhao Pingsheng, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Algeria delivered speeches at the lecture themed “Stories of Chinese Medical Teams aiding Africa”.
Professor Li Xinfeng, executive president of the CAI; and Smail Debeche, president of the Algeria-China Friendship Association presided over the lecture. Smail Debeche has received the Chinese Government Friendship Award for outstanding foreign experts, and the Award for Excellent Contributions to China-Algeria Friendship. The event was attended by more than 50 people, including experts, members of the media, teachers and students from Algerian universities, and members of the 28th batch of Chinese medical team aiding Algeria.
On behalf of the University of Algiers 1, professor Merzak Gharnaout extended his warm welcome to the CAI delegations and members of the Chinese medical team attending the event. He spoke highly of the Chinese medical workers who have made great contribution to improve the health service in Algeria, and this lecture would inspire university teachers and students with revealing stories.

The 18th China Lecture 

Before the lecture, participants watched a documentary film marking the 60th anniversary of China dispatching its first medical team to Algeria. In his keynote speech, professor Liu Ronghua from Tongji Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), also head of the Chinese medical team stationed in Setif, shared stories of himself working as a gynaecology and obstetrics doctor in Setif and establishing deep friendships with the local people.
He told stories about an Algerian anesthesiologist named Mohammed who developed close friendship with Chinese doctors during work. Whenever Chinese surgeons need help during the operation Mohammed would be the first one to offer assistance. When members of the 28th batch of Chinese medical team aiding Algeria came to visit Mohammed, he hurried joyously to show them photos of him with his Chinese doctor friends. To celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival, Mohammed kindly invited the Chinese doctors along with three respectable elderly men in the village to his farm to see his beloved horses and taste local Algerian food.


Participants at the lecture watching documentary film marking the 60th anniversary of China dispatching its first medical team to Algeria
Doctor Liu Siming, from Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), also head of the TCM Center of Chinese medical team to Algeria shared a story about a 19-year-old Algerian boy who suffered from lumbago and severe pain in his right lower limb. She said, the young boy completely recovered after receiving acupuncture and cupping treatments and practicing Ba Duan Jin, an easy-to-learn physical exercise that is proven effective for health and fitness. Later he even introduced this traditional Chinese exercise to his mum. Doctor Liu Siming also spoke about TCM’s development in Algeria, its application, influence and prospects.
Wang Hongyi, associate research fellow of the CAI delivered a speech “History and prospect of China-Africa cooperation in Health”, focusing on four development stages, the characteristics and prospects of China-Africa cooperation in health.
Professor Li Xinfeng said, since the dispatch of the first medical team in April, 1963, China has sent medical workers of over 30,000 person times to Africa, who have treated about 230 million patients, including 30 million in Algeria, and helped to deliver 2 million babies. The Chinese medical teams in Africa were widely hailed by African people for their outstanding medical skills and good virtue, which fully illustrated the spirit of Chinese medical teams - "fearless of hardships, willingness to dedicate, saving lives and helping the wounded with boundless love".
Professor Li Xinfeng said, no matter how the world has changed over the past six decades, leaders of both China and Africa have attached great importance to the work of Chinese medical teams in Africa. The first Chinese medical team to Algeria had met twice with the former Algerian president Ahmed Ben Bella who highly appreciated their work in the country.
In February 2023, in his reply letter to members of the Chinese medical teams to Africa, Chinese president Xi Jinping extended his heartfelt regards to all those who are or were on China's international medical aid missions, as 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of the occasion when China sent its first medical aid team abroad. Professor Li Xinfeng noted that we should set the 60th anniversary as a starting point and continue to seek for innovation in cooperation, so as to make greater contribution to build a China-Africa community in health and China-Africa community with a shared future.

Group photo
In the Q & A session, African teachers and students said they were deeply touched by the dedication and great love of the Chinese medical teams in Africa. They had a communication with the team members on topics such as designation of the team members and the treatments of TCM and western medicine. The event was reported by Algerian medias including Algeria’s renowned newspaper and news media, La Patrie News and El Moudjahid.
During their visit in Algeria, the CAI delegations also visited the National Institute of Global Strategy Studies, Algeria-China Friendship Association, Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Democratic Republic of Algeria, and held meetings with representatives of Chinese enterprises in Algeria.

The 16th Africa Lecture held by CAI

The 16th Africa Lecture “Security Situation in the Sahel Region” was held by China-Africa Institute (CAI) on Dec. 9, 2023. Professor Adama Kpodar, president of the University of Lomé, Togo was invited to deliver a keynote speech. Professor Li Xinfeng, president of the CAI presided over the lecture. More than 70 people including scholars and experts of the CAI and other research institutes attended the lecture online and offline.

Professor Adama Kpodar is delivering speech
Professor Adama Kpodar focused his speech on the political restructuring of the Sahel countries. He pointed out that after becoming independent, the Sahel countries developed their political reforms in three stages: the period of military dictatorship (from post-independence to early 1990s), the period of multi-party democratization (from early 1990s to the first decade of the 21st Century) and the post-democratization period (from the first decade of the 21st Century to the present). When transiting from the first to the second period, the Sahel countries witnessed a rapid shift from centralization to decentralization and the prevailing disequilibrium of socio-economic development, contributing to the growth of extremism. Meanwhile, some administrators in the region failed to address the governance and development deficit issues in multi-party elections, therefore some marginalized areas and ethnic groups were forced to become followers or advocates of extremism.
The extremism-based terrorism is, by its very nature, the result of disequilibrium of socio-economic development caused by the ineffective governance of the Sahel countries. It is an issue of development seen in the sociocultural field. Professor Adama Kpodar believes that the key to fight against extremism and terrorism lies into the building of a modern nation-state with inclusive development as the support. While dealing with foreign interference, the Sahel countries should strive to promote social and economic reforms, enhance the resilience of development in the course of regional integration and national modernization, and build a strong foundation for security governance. 
Professor Adama Kpodar stressed the importance of development cooperation between China and the Sahel countries and spoke highly of China's participation in security affairs in the region. He said, it has set a good example for the international community and provided strong support for the Sahel countries to address their development and security deficit issues.

Professor Nkolo Foé is making comments
Professor Nkolo Foé, Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Yaoundé 1 in Cameroon, and the former vice president of Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) commented on the speech. He said, the security deficit in the Sahel region is essentially the result of the weak governance capacity and the demanding needs of African people for diversified development. It embodies the dialectics of Economical Base and Socio-Cultural Superstructure in the Africa field.
In the modern history of China, especially during the transition from New Democratic Revolution to Socialist revolution, China had endeavored to become a modern nation-state and continued to pursue national modernization by pushing forward governance with the aim to build China a strong and prosperous country and to accomplish national revitalization as well as to fulfil all Chinese people. Those experience has proposed Chinese wisdom, Chinese experience and Chinese solution for the Sahel countries to address the issue of deficit in governance, development and security, said professor Nkolo Foé.

Participants at the lecture
In the Q & A session, the Chinese scholars had an in-depth exchanges with professor Adama Kpodar and professor Nkolo Foé on the security situation in the Sahel region, the political reforms in Francophone African countries, China-Africa security cooperation and other topics.

Professor Li Xinfeng is presiding over the lecture
In the concluding speech, professor Li Xinfeng said that the African scholars outlined the causes, characteristics and impacts of the security situation in the Sahel region, and put forward policy suggestions for promoting security governance. Their speeches are insightful and valuable in both theory and practice, helping the Chinese academic community to break western research paradigms and discourse hegemony, while remaining objective in their research about Africa.
He said, the 16th Africa Lecture is not only a good start for exchanges and cooperation between the CAI and the University of Lomé, but also a solid step made by the CAI to promote China-Africa high-level development on people-to-people exchanges in the new era. It is hoped that the lecture could help scholars from China and Togo produce more high-quality research results, and thus contribute to the joint building of a China-Africa community with a shared future.

Group photo
 
 

African media reported on the 17th China Lecture

The 16th China Lecture held by CAI in Xizang

 
The 16th China Lecture, jointly hosted by China-Africa Institute (CAI), Xizang Academy of Social Sciences and the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Linzhi Municipal Committee, was held on Sept 1, 2023 in Linzhi, Xizang Autonomous Region.
 
Under the theme of “Achievements in Economic, Social and Cultural Development of Xizang in the New Era”, the lecture brought together more than 80 participants from the CAI, Xizang Academy of Social Sciences, and various organizations from Linzhi City and Motuo County. More than 40 government officials, scholars and university students from African countries such as Sierra Leone, Nigeria, South Africa attended the lecture online. Professor Wang Xiaoming, vice president of the CAI presided over the lecture.
 
Chinese officials and scholars shared their thoughts with African participants on the historic achievement and experience of lifting Xizang out of poverty and stepping into prosperity and stability along with the rest of the country. The speeches given by the scholars and officials reflected the remarkable achievements of successful governance strategy in the region under the leadership of the CPC in the new era.

Participants of the lecture in Linzhi, Xizang
 

Participants of the lecture at the University of Makeni (UNIMAK), Sierra Leone
 

Professor Wang Xiaoming is presiding over the lecture
Sun Xiangjun, Deputy director-genreal of the department of publicity of Xizang Autonomous Region, Secretary of the Leading Party Members’ Group of Xizang Academy of Social Sciences, said that since 2012 the CPC has attached great importance to the development in Xizang as Chinese president Xi Jinping has inspected the region many times and gave important instructions. Now the region has seen remarkable achievements in social stability and economic development with steady progress in building itself into a united, harmonious and prosperous society in the new era, Sun noted.
 
The city of Linzhi was chosen to be the main venue of the event, because its successful practice of modernization is a typical representative of that in Xizang. Today the region is embarking on a new journey of development in the new era. Our African friends are more than welcome to the region and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Sun said, we will continue to work together with our African friends to strengthen communication and cooperation, and build the China-Africa community for a shared future.
 

Sun Xiangjun is delivering a openning remarks
Xu Wuda, deputy director of the Rural Economy Institute of Xizang Academy of Social Sciences talked about the experience in eliminating absolute poverty in extremely high altitude areas of China. He noted that while addressing the poverty alleviation in Xizang, a precise poverty alleviation strategy was adopted based on the condition of the region. Precise strategies have to be made to deal with the selection of aid targets, project allocation, the use of funds, different measures for different households, assignment of officials in poverty-stricken areas and achievements in poverty alleviation. Targeted measures used for poverty alleviation such as production development, relocation, ecological compensation, education development and social security have been proved to be effective and offer solutions to the long-term problem of absolute poverty in the region.

Xu Wuda is delivering a lecture
Qin Songmao, Deputy Mayor of Linzhi municipal government talked about the great outcomes of historical reform in Linzhi which saw overall improvement in tourism, economic conditions, ecological environment, poverty alleviation and people’s livelihood. The city, home to 230,000 people, is now entering the new era of socialism with great rejuvenation under the the guidance of President Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It is vigorously showing the world its openness, inclusiveness as well as rich and prosperous culture, said Qin.
 

Qin Songmao is delivering a lecture
Professor Li Wengang, director of the Division of Ethnic and Religious Studies of CAI talked about the inheritance and development of Motuo folk culture in Xizang, with a focus on the culture of Menba People and Loba People, two of the main ethnic groups of Motuo. He said, the Menba People and Loba People enjoy long history and make an vital part of China’s traditional culture. He elaborated on the outcomes of taking multiple measures to protect and inherit the traditional culture of Motuo. Professor Li said that we should further promote the protection and inheritance of traditional culture in the county by making full use of the sustainable cultural tourism industry, investing more in training of talents of traditional culture, and encouraging exchanges and mutual learning among different traditional cultures. A good example of such cultural exchanges and mutual learning is that in 2014, Xizang Art Troupe made its African debut in Zimbabwe and Mauritius where the Chinese artists were warmly welcomed by the local people.
 

Professor Li Wengan is delivering a Lecture
Professor Yuan Wu, associate research fellow of the Division of Security studies of the CAI delivered a speech titled “The role of education in poverty alleviation-A case study of Motuo in Xizang”. He said, without the national grant for education, many children from poor families may have to drop out of school, leading to inter-generational transmission of poverty. Therefore, education is the key to block inter-generational transmission of poverty and cultivate the endogenic dynamics of the impoverish population. He also talked about the measures, achievements and enlightenment of poverty alleviation through education in Motuo. Professor Yuan expected that China and Africa could further strengthen cooperation and mutual learning in areas such as social and economic development as well as poverty alleviation through education, and therefore making contribution to the progress of human civilization.
 

Professor Yuan Wu is delivering a lecture
When making the concluding speech, Wu Qingjun, vice president of Xizang Academy of Social Sciences said, the lecture has fully captured the real imagine of Xizang, and helped to promote exchanges between China and Africa by sharing the achievements in economic, social and cultural development of Xizang in the new era. From an academic prospective, China Lecture was held with an attempt to tell African friends the stories about Xizang and foster exchanges and communications between thinks tanks in Africa and Xizang. It is conducive to the people-to-people exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations of China and Africa.

Wu Qingjun is making a concluding speech
Professor Adetoro Olaniyi Banwo, vice-dean of the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos in Nigeria, and Professor Alpha Mohamed Jalloh, director of the China-Africa Institute at the University of Makeni in Sierra Leone, hailed the achievements in poverty alleviation in Xizang. During interviews with local media, they said that if African countries can learn from these valuable experiences, they could create a better social environment.

Professor Alpha Mohamed Jalloh and professor Adetoro Olaniyi Banwo attending the lecture online
 

African scholars participating the lecture online
 
As one of the three major lectures of the CAI, the China Lecture invites influential Chinese scholars and China experts in African countries to address major practical issues in the development of China-Africa relations. They present Chinese stories and stories of China-Africa friendship to the African people.

The 14th Africa Lecture held by CAI

 
 
The 14th Africa Lecture was held online and offline by China-Africa Institute (CAI) on August 8, 2023 under the theme “Different Histories, Common Aspirations: quality development as the next frontier for BRICS Countries” . Professor Busani Ngcaweni, the Principal of the National School of Government, senior research fellow at the University of Johannesburg was invited to deliver a keynote speech. Professor Wang Xiaoming, vice-president of the CAI presided over the lecture.
 
 Professor Busani is delivering speech
 
Professor Ngcaweni talked about the partnership for prosperity through BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) with a focus on the evolution of China-Africa relationship, opportunities and challenges for Global South and the new frontiers for changes.
Professor Ngcaweni pointed out that despite of differences in development pathways, China and Africa have been enjoying mutual friendship founded on shared values and a desire for prosperity for all. China-Africa cooperation underlines the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, upholding multilateralism for achieving mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. China has been taking an active part in global governance and constantly pursuing opening policies, which has helped to boost South-South cooperation.
Professor Ngcaweni said, the biggest challenge for the Global South is dealing with poverty and inequality which is as a result of some factors: weak institutions, energy security, climate change, skills gaps, unemployment and so on. In terms of economic development, in order to promote industrialization and digital technology, Africa must strive to maintain safety in energy access, invest more in internet infrastructure and mitigate the effects of climate change while maintaining a decent growth rates.
Moreover, the continent’s education systems and skills training programs need urgent reform to ensure young people have the skills required for current and future employment. When talked about trade and economic cooperation, Professor Ngcaweni conveyed his idea that Africa should push forward multilateral structures of foreign trade and drive development in diverse markets, while exploring pathways for added value of export goods.
China has been promoting FOCAC (the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) since 2000 and contributed positively to Africa's development. Professor Ngcaweni expressed, BRICS and FOCAC are similar in their framework, and both play an vital role in promoting regional stability and development. He hoped to see greater infrastructure cooperation between China and Africa, and expected that the debt issue could be solved via financial aid.
Finally, Professor Ngcaweni shed light on the new frontiers for change. He presented that Global South countries should build state capacity to effectively manage state affairs and deliver socio-economic services to the people. Self-serving bureaucracies should be replaced with dynamic, innovative, ethical and competent bureaucrats and politicians who demonstrates greater levels of mastering statecraft. While investing more in vocational training and building better skills for workers in industrial sector, BRICS countries also need to accelerate technology transfer.
BRICS countries should speed energy transit to ensure diversified foreign capital inflows in the sector, and encourage settlement of accounts through local currency thus increasing their tradability. Professor Ngcaweni underlined that BRICS and the Global South need to intensify efforts to increase trade among themselves and promote people-to-people exchanges. The academic institutions in BRICS countries should strengthen cooperation in scientific research, and contribute to the implementation of national policies.
 
 Main venue of the lecture
 
In the Q and A session, Professor Ngcaweni and scholars of CAI had an in-depth discussion on topics related to BRICS Summit, Africa’s foreign relations, and the Global South studies. Professor Liu Naiya, director of Social and Cultural Studies Division of CAI, Professor Li Wengang, director of Ethical and Religious Studies Division of CAI, and Professor An Chunying, associate editor of Journal of West Asia and Africa and other scholars participated in the session. 
 
 Professor Wang Xiaoming presided over the lecture
 
In the conclusion speech, professor Wang Xiaoming appreciated Professor Ngcaweni for his wonderful speech. She said, Professor Ngcaweni briefed on the changes and opportunities for current international relations, offering a great inspiration for Chinese scholars to conduct studies in this field. 
Professor Ngcaweni pointed out that although the Global South countries are differ in history, politics, economic development and culture, they are facing common challenges in their development paths, and share common aspiration for prosperity, this has made them join hands to promote cooperation and communication.
Professor Wang Xiaoming said, CAI has signed a MOU with the National School of Government, University of Johannesburg to organize international conferences and seminars. On June this year, CAI held the 15th China Lecture in South Africa, which is a model for future cooperation between Chinese and African think tanks and scholars. CAI will continue to work with African think tanks and scholars to enhance China-Africa cooperation, and strive for mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.
 
 
 
The lecture was attended by more than 50 scholars and experts from CAI online and offline. It was held two weeks ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit which was scheduled for August 22-24, 2023 in South Africa. 
 
(Photo by Dong Jiacheng)

The 15th China Lecture wrapped up in Ethiopia

The 15th China Lecture wrapped up on June 15, 2023 in Ethiopia with China-Africa Institute (CAI) hosting a lecture focusing on poverty alleviation and stability, China-Africa cooperation in security governance and other topics. After the lecture, delegation of the CAI held talks with officers from African Union (AU) Commission, U.N. Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and academic institutions in Ethiopia.
Chaired by Zhou Yunfan, vice president of CAI, the lecture was jointly organized by CAI and the Institute for Peace & Security Studies, Addis Ababa University (AAU), and attended by nearly 40 researchers, scholars and students. Mercy Fekadu, assistant professor and deputy director of Institute for Peace & Security Studies, AAU said, Africa has long been suffering from peace deficit, and it is an urgent to promote peace in Africa via policy dialogue, this is why the Institute for Peace & Security Studies is established. Whereas China proposed the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Global Security Initiative (GSI) based on its development practices. Dr. Mercy Fekadu expected the lecture given by the Chinese scholars could help their African counterparts draw aspirations from Chinese modernization and its experience in promoting global governance.
 
Professor Wu Guobao is delivering speech
 

Dr. Deng Yanting is delivering speech
At the lecture, Wu Guobao, professor of Rural Development Institute and the director of Center for Poverty Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) talked about the achievements and experiences of poverty alleviation in China, reducing poverty and maintaining social stability, common prosperity and sustainable peace. Dr. Deng Yanting, deputy director of the Division of Security Studies of CAI talked about the notion of GSI, the significance of Initiative of Peaceful Development in the Horn of Africa, as well as opportunities and challenges of China-Africa security cooperation.
 
Scholars of CAI, Dr. Mercy Fekadu (third left, front row) and officers from Institute for Peace & Security Studies
African scholars at the lecture noted that China put forward its peaceful development initiative that is development-based, characterized by mutual respect and in way of peaceful talk. On the other hand, western countries adopted their peaceful development model by playing zero sum game, stirring up troubles and being radical. Obviously, the former is more conform to the reality of vast developing countries including those in Africa.
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Scholars of CAI, officers of AU Commission and Mission of the People's Republic of China to the African Union
On June 14, 2023, with the support of the Mission of the People's Republic of China to the AU, delegation of CAI paid a visit to the AU Commission and held talks with Emile Rwagasana, Deputy Chief Of Staff, AU on exchanges and cooperation between AU and CAI. On June 15, 2023, the delegation visited the UNECA, and held talks with Sweta Chaman Saxena, Chief of Staff & Director OiC, Gender, Poverty & Social Policy Division, UNECA, and experts of the division and the Strategic, Planning and Oversights Division (SPORD), in regard of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, poverty alleviation and China-Ethiopia cooperation and other topics. The delegation also visited the Confucius Institute, Addis Ababa University, and communicated with the Chinese Principal Gao Lili and university students on youth communication between China and Ethiopia.

Scholars of CAI, officers of UNECA and Mission of the People's Republic of China to the African Union
The 15th China Lecture was held from June 5 to June 15, 2023 in South Africa, Tanzania and Ethiopia respectively with scholars giving six lectures in total. Chinese scholars also interacted with parliament members of the above three countries, government officials, young leaders, experts from universities and think tanks as well as reporters and young people in Africa, making exchanges on a wide range of topics such as the Chinese economic growth, China’s experience in poverty alleviation, national governance and the significance of China-Africa cooperation. The exchanges are said to expound the Chinese wisdom, Chinese experience and Chinese solution that are implied by Chinese modernization.
  
 
 
 
 

Scholars hail China‘s poverty alleviation efforts at 15th China Lecture in Tanzania

The 15th  China Lecture took place in Tanzania from June 9 to June 13, 2023 after the events in South Africa, with lectures focusing on economic growth, poverty alleviation, education and China-Tanzania cooperation.

Zhou Yunfan, vice president of CAI presided over the event 
The first lecture was jointly held by China-Africa Institute (CAI) and the Center for International Policy-Africa (CIP-Africa) in Der es Salaam, Tanzania on June 10, 2023. Zhou Yunfan, vice president of CAI presided over the event and Omar Mjenga, president and chief executive officer of CIP-Africa addressed a lecture on China's experiences of poverty alleviation. The lecture was attended by more than 30 people, including diplomats from Uganda, South Sudan and other African countries, as well as scholars from University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) Centre For Chinese Studies (CCS) and think tanks in Tanzania.
 

Mr. Omar Mjenga is delivering a speech
China and Tanzania enjoys long-standing friendship, and the TAZARA Railway, one of the main Chinese-supported projects In Tanzania, is a milestone in the history of China-Africa friendship. In March 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping chose Tanzania as the first stop of his first visit to Africa as China's new president, and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is the first African head of state who visited China after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, implying the importance of China-Tanzania relations. China and Tanzania should enhance communication between think tanks, thereby inject new vitality into the long-standing China-Tanzania friendship, said Mr. Omar Mjenga.
 
Professor Cai Fang, former Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), former president of CAI, and Chief Expert of National Think Tank at CASS spoke on the contribution of economic recovery to poverty alleviation in China; Dr. Wu Guobao, professor of Rural Development Institute and the director of Center for Poverty Studies at CASS talked about the approaches and experiences of poverty alleviation in China; and Dr. Deng Yanting, deputy director of the Division of Security Studies of CAI talked about implication of China's experience for China-Tanzania cooperation.
 

Dr. Wu Guobao is delivering a speech
African officials and scholars at the lecture spoke highly of China’s efforts in poverty alleviation and the idea of people-centered development. They said that the lecture was very enriching and Africa could borrow a leaf from China and see how the continent can move forward in alleviating poverty. Africa including Tanzania need help from China in order to push forward inclusive growth in post-pandemic era and deepen China-Tanzania comprehensive strategic partnership.
 

Zhou Yunfan is presenting the English version of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China IV to Mr. Omar Mjenga 
The second event of the 15th China Lecture was held at Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School in Kibaha, Pwani Region on June 11, 2023. Chaired by Marcelina Chijoriga, principal of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School, the lecture was attended by more than 140 members of the six sister parties, a coalition of Africa’s six political parties, namely CCN, ANC, MPLA, FRELIMO, ZANU-PF and SWAPO.
 

Marcelina Chijoriga presided over the lecture 
Professor Cai Fang delivered a keynote speech on demographic dividend and modernization development in Africa, and Dr. Deng Yanting shared approaches and experience of China-Africa cooperation in the new era. The Chinese scholars had a heated discussion with members of the six sister parties, covering topics such as national governance, communication between Chinese and African parties, as well as opportunities and challenges of China-Africa cooperation.
 

Professor Cai Fang is delivering a keynote speech 
Professor Marcelina Chijoriga and members of the six parties noted that China once offered its strong support to the liberation movements in southern Africa, marking a splendid chapter in the history of China-Africa friendship. Now the two sides are continuing their friendly ties by mutual learning, driving forward the exploration of both theories and practice of Chinese modernization. Such mutual learning and exchanges will also give support to Africa in tackling issues in reform and construction and improving governance effectiveness, in particularly for countries under the ruling of the six sister parties, to engage in a new wave of liberation movement that focuses on coalition and development.
 

Dr. Deng Yanting is delivering a speech 
The third event of the 15th China Lecture took place at the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) on June 13, 2023. Chaired by Mohammad Makame Haji, principal of SUZA, the lecture was attended by nearly 100 people from SUZA and other universities.
 

Mohammad Makame Haji persided over the lecture
China-Tanzania relations have set a good example for China-Africa relations, and Zanzibar has been remaining close exchanges and cooperation with China. Chinese scholars are helping Zanzibar by sharing their views on national governance via China Lecture, promoting Zanzibar’s social and economic development, upgrade its industrial structure, and advance the development of its vocational education, said Mohammad Makame Haji. At the lecture, Dr. Deng Yanting talked about the main approaches and achievements of China-Tanzania cooperation; Dr. Wu Guobao talked about China-Africa cooperation in poverty alleviation; Jia Peng, associate research fellow of the Institute for Population and Labor Economics, CASS, addressed a speech titled “Education and Job Tasks in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”.
 

Jia Peng is delivering a speech
As the world’s largest developing country, China’s experience carries great significance for other developing countries in Africa. Thanks to the organization of China Lecture, African scholars could have face-to-face communication with the Chinese scholars to listen to what China has to say, and to help China-Tanzania friendship to grow and enjoy even brighter future.
 

Chinese scholars communicating with teachers and students of State University of Zanzibar
On June 11, 2023, The delegation of CAI visited DSM Tazara Railway Station and communicated with the authority on the transportation, rail routes, maintenance of the trains, and technical training of Tazara Railway. On June 12, 2023, the delegation visited Confucius Institute, University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and communicated with Zhang Xiaozhen, principal of the institute as well as African students on China-Africa youth exchanges. The delegation also met with Lela Muhamed Mussa, Minister of Education and Vocational Training, and had an in-depth discussion on strengthening academic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between China and Tanzania.

Professor Cai Fang is presenting a gift from CAI to Lela Muhamed Mussa
 
 
 

CAI hosts the 15th China Lecture in South Africa

The 15th China Lecture kicked off on June 6, 2023 in South Africa with the theme “Poverty Alleviation and Governance”. The event was hosted by China-Africa Institute (CAI) with the support of the Consulate-General of the people's republic of China in Cape Town and the National School of Government (NSG), South Africa. It is aimed to present Chinese wisdom, Chinese solution and Chinese experience to African politicians, scholars of thinks tanks and African media, with a focus on topics such as economic growth, poverty alleviation and China-Africa cooperation in the new era. It is the first time China Lecture been held in Africa since CAI started its “three lectures” (namely The Africa Lecture, The China Lecture and The Ambassador Lecture).
 

Cai Fang is delivering speech at the lecture in Cape Town
At the first event of the lecture which was held on June 6, 2023 in Cape Town, professor Cai Fang, former Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), former president of CAI, and Chief Expert of National Think Tank at CASS gave a lecture on the topic of Chinese economic development. The event was presided over by Consul-General You Wenze and attended by more than 60 representatives from South African National Assembly and National Council of Provinces as well as government officials of Western Cape Province.
 

Consul-General You Wenze is presiding over the lecture
Professor Cai Fang said, "This year saw a good start of the Chinese economy. I believe that as China steadily unleashes the dynamism and potential of its economy, it will inject confidence and strength for world economy recovery and bring more development opportunities for South Africa and other African countries."
"Thanks for the opportunity to have a face-to-face communication with Chinese experts. It helps South Africa people better understand the achievements of Chinese governance, and promote exchanges and mutual learning among developing countries, so that we could make contributions for global peace and development in such a world of profound changes," said Mr. Solomon Lechesa Tsenoli, the Deputy Speaker of National Assembly of the Republic of South Africa.
"This kind of high-quality people-to-people exchanges feature lectures given by Chinese experts. It will offer valuable Intellectual support for China and Africa to foster the mutual benefit and win-win cooperation and work together to tackle common challenges, and therefore help China-Africa friendship make steady improvement," said Sylvia Lucas, Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces of South Africa.

Wu Guobao is delivering speech at the lecture in Pretoria, South Africa
Another event of the 15th China Lecture was held in Pretoria, South Africa on June 8, 2023 with Professor Cai Gang and Dr. Wu Guobao, professor of Rural Development Institute and the director of Center for Poverty Studies at CASS giving lectures on the topic of Chinese economic development and Chinese alleviation.
  
Busani Ngcaweni, principal of the National School of Government (NSG), South Africa
Prof. Busani Ngcaweni, principal of the National School of Government (NSG), South Africa presided over the event which was attended online and offline by more than 400 people from seven African countries including South Africa and Kenya. Cai Fang briefed on the features and Chinese economic development and its contributions to world economy. Wu Guobao talked through the history and significance of Chinese poverty alleviation. In the Q & A session, the two speakers had a discussion with online participants on topics such as the building of leadership, inclusive development, energy structure transformation, China-Africa cooperation in International capacity.
African scholars and government officials spoke highly of China’s efforts in poverty alleviation and economic development. They noted that China’s achievement is a miracle of leadership building by the Communist Party of China (CPC). The exploration of Chinese modernization is not only a achievement of the Chinese people, but also has global significance. China's experience, solutions and wisdom can offer inspiration for African countries in seeking of their own development.

A delegation of CAI stayed in South Africa from June 5 to June 9, 2023, paying visit to South African think tanks and holding talks on people-to-people exchanges between Africa and China. Members of the delegation includes Zhou Yunfan, vice-president of the CAI, Ma Jun, director of the Division of International Exchanges of the CAI, Dr. Deng Yanting, deputy director of the Division of Security Studies of CAI and Jia Peng, associate research fellow of the Institute for Population and Labor Economics, CASS.
On June 5, 2023, the delegation visited the School of Economics at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and held talks with professor Anthony Black on carrying out joint researches on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Africa economic growth in the post-pandemic era.
On June 7, 2023, the delegation visited the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) in Pretoria, and held talks with professor Sarah Mosoetsa, CEO of HSRC on strengthening strategic cooperation between the two sides.
On June 8, 2023, the delegation visited the University of Johannesburg (UJ), and held talks with professor Sehaam Khan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UJ, professor Kammila Naidoo, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, UJ, and other African experts, covering topics such as joint researches and overseas visit study.
The 15th China Lecture will also take place in Tanzania and Ethiopia following the events in South Africa.
  
 
 
 
 

The 17th Ambassador Lecture held by CAI

 

 

The 17th Ambassador Lecture was held by China-Africa Institute (CAI) on April 11, 2023 with Ibrahima Sory Sylla, the Senegalese ambassador to China delivering a keynote speech on “China-Africa relations in the current geopolitics context”. Prof. Li Xinfeng, the executive president of CAI presided over the lecture. The lecture was attended by more than 40 people including Prof. Wang Xiaoming, vice president of CAI and scholars of the institute.
 
  
Ambassador Ibrahima Sory Sylla is delivering speech
Ambassador Ibrahima Sory Sylla reviewed the African history of enslavement and colonialism. He said, the Transatlantic slave trade and the colonialism are the main cause of slow development of the African continent which is regarded as lying on the periphery of global politic and economic systems. China also suffered from the Imperialist aggression. The similar history of the two nations has helped to pave the way for the stable development of China-Africa relations. 
 
  
Main venue of the lecture
Both China and Africa took part in the Bandung Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement, which was the first time the developing countries tried to work together to fight against hegemonism under the principle of nonalignment and nonintervention. China and Africa are continuing to make joint efforts so as to advance the building of a new order for international politics that is sound and equitable, said ambassador Ibrahima Sory Sylla. China has been offering political support for Africa to strive for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, while strengthening economic and trade cooperation with African countries under the umbrella of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and supporting them in the development of industrialization.
 
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Global Development Initiative (GDI) advocated by Chinese President Xi Jinping is a clear illustration of the idea of mutual respect and win-win cooperation in international relations. They could be conductive to reaching the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Ambassador Ibrahima Sory Sylla noted that African countries could learn from China’s experiences in infrastructure construction, industrialization, modernization of agriculture and poverty alleviation.
 
  
Main venue of the lecture
In the Q & A session, ambassador Ibrahima Sory Sylla exchanges ideas with CAI scholars on Chinese path to modernization, key fields of cooperation between China and Africa and other topics.
 
Prof. Li Xinfeng expressed his gratitude to ambassador Ibrahima Sory Sylla for his speech that is said to be informative and shows grand visions, strong contrast and clear opinions. He said that the speech helps Chinese scholars to study China-Africa relations under the current geopolitics contexts from an African prospective.
 
After the lecture, on behalf of the CAI, Prof. Li Xinfeng presented a bamboo slip as a gift to ambassador Ibrahima Sory Sylla.
 

Prof. Li Xinfeng presenting a bamboo slip to ambassador Ibrahima Sory Sylla
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（Photo by Dong Jiacheng）

The 12th Africa Lecture “China’s Poverty Alleviation and the Development of Africa” held by the CAI

The 12th Africa Lecture “China’s Poverty Alleviation and the Development of Africa” was held by the China-Africa Institute (CAI) on Nov 25, 2022. Professor Wang Xiaoming, vice president of CAI presided over the lecture, and three African journalists were invited to deliver their keynote speeches. A number of Chinese experts and scholars of CAI attended the lecture online. In the keynote speech, Solange Tangamu,  journalist of Forum Des As (Democratic Republic of the Congo) said that after years of persistent efforts, China has won the battle against poverty. Improvements have been seen in people’s living standards, education, healthcare and housing conditions in China’s rural areas. This is a real revolution thanks to Chinese leaders’ overall strategy and major reform policies targeted at agriculture and rural areas.


Solange Tangamu is delivering speech online
Solange pointed out that China’s experience of poverty alleviation is highly instructive to the world, especially to Africa, because poverty alleviation could not only improve the quality of our life, but more importantly it brings courage to people. While solving its own problems, China also participated in international cooperation by committing itself to build a community with a shared future for mankind that is free from poverty and enjoys common prosperity. For instance, China has been supporting African countries in their development by implementing projects in infrastructure, vocational schools, agricultural pilot centers as well as social housing. Solange said, poverty alleviation is not the end of the story, in fact it is the start line of the fight for a better life.
 
Bryan Otieno is delivering speech online
Bryan Otieno,  journalist of The Star （Kenya） underlined the importance of development in infrastructure, technology, productivity and trade, all of which are closely related to poverty alleviation. China’s experience in poverty alleviation could be valuable to Africa. Bryan explained further that in China’s Fujian province, nature resources were used as an advantage for economic development. Such natural resources are also seen in some less-developed areas in Africa. If African governments were more concerned about the improvement of infrastructures such as roads, railways and aviation in those rural areas, the local people would have more opportunity to enter the market and sell their products. This will change the current situation in Africa’s rural areas and benefit more people.
Africa is now suffering from poverty due to unemployment, lack of educational resources, malnutrition and war. As poverty is continuing to affect Africa, it is very important that China has supported Africa’s infrastructural and supply chain development through projects such as Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAO) and “Belt and Road Initiative”. Bryan also talked about his opinions on how Africa can learn from China’s experience so as to enhance the development in agriculture, digital commerce and healthcare in the continent.

Fortune Abang is delivering speech online
Fortune Abang,  journalist of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said that poverty is a global issue, and poverty alleviation is the common goal for people of the world, particularly for people of developing countries and rural areas. However, poverty is not doomed nor insuperable. China’s experience in poverty alleviation is the best proof. As the most populated country in the world, China has made remarkable achievements in poverty alleviation. Similar to China, the African continent also has a large population, therefore poverty became a major challenge. Africa should learn from China’s experience and develop its own strategies in order to fight against poverty, Fortune added.
 
The lecture is taking place online
In Q & A, Tang Zhichao, director of the Department of Political Studies of the CIA, and Yang Baorong, director of the Department of economics of the CIA had an indepth exchange of views with the speakers on several topics, including the practicability of China’s experience in poverty alleviation, the opportunities and challenges brought by population increase in Africa, China’s national image and cross-cultural communication, China’s efforts in environmental protection as well as cultural and historical inheritance in China.
 
Professor Wang Xiaoming is presiding over the lecture
In the conclusion speech, Professor Wang highlighted that poverty is the big challenge faced by the world. As the largest developing country in the world, China’s success in poverty alleviation contributes largely to the global poverty reduction. Other developing countries including that of Africa are more than welcomed to use China’s experience as a reference. Professor Wang is looking forward to enhance cooperation with the African friends and deepen China-Africa friendship so as to better help African people overcome poverty and build an even stronger China-Africa community with a shared future.

The 2nd Conference on Dialogue Between Chinese and African Civilizations held in Beijing

 

The 2nd Conference on Dialogue Between Chinese and African Civilizations was held from May 16 to May 17, 2023 in Beijing with the theme “Chinese Modernization and Africa's Development Path”. The event aims to strengthen exchanges of modernization and development path in China and Africa, and promote mutual learning between Chinese and African civilizations.
 
The opening speeches were addressed by Gao Xiang, president of Chinese Academy of Social Science (CASS) and the Chinese Academy of History (CAH); Rahamtalla M. Osman, Permanent Representative of the African Union to China；Liu Yuxi, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on African Affairs；Monday Semaya Kenneth Kumba, ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan to China. Gao Xiang presented four-volumes of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (Chinese editions, English editions and French editions) to African scholars at the opening ceremony. The opening ceremony was hosted by Zhen Zhanmin, vice president of CASS.
 

Gao Xiang is delivering a speech 
Gao Xiang extended a warm welcome to the guests and congratulated on the opening of the 2nd Conference on Dialogue Between Chinese and African Civilizations. He said, “Today, our world, our times and history are changing in ways like never before. The historical trends of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit are unstoppable. Yet, the hegemonic, high-handed and bullying acts of using strength to intimidate the weak, taking from others by force and subterfuge, and playing zero-sum games are exerting grave harm, and the deficits in peace, development and governance have increased.”
 
“The Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) proposed by President Xi Jinping is based on the characteristics of the times and the development of human civilization. It is committed to address issues during the process of the modernization of human society, and infused with great confidence and strength in promoting harmony and coexistence of different civilizations and the progress of human civilization,” he said.
 
Gao Xiang highlighted that diversity spurs interaction among civilizations, which in turn promotes mutual learning and their further development. According to GCI, we advocate robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. He said, “China and Africa should work together to implement GCI and to explore the building of a global network for people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, and to enrich the contents of exchanges and expand avenues of cooperation in order to advocate exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. China is willing to support African countries in seeking of the development path that suits their own conditions, and share opportunities brought by Chinese modernization. China is willing to joint hands with our African brothers on the path of modernization for the building of a China-Africa community with a shared future. ”

Mr. Rahamtalla M. Osman is delivering a speech  
Mr. Rahamtalla M. Osman, Permanent Representative of the African Union to China said, “GCI is another important public product offered by China to the international community in order to address global challenges and create a better future for mankind, alongside the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative. It embodies the Chinese wisdom and Chinese approach and has pushed China's dialogue with world civilizations to a new height.”
 
Ambassador Osman said, “Throughout history, both African and Chinese civilizations are indispensable parts of human civilization. For thousands of years, with long history and solid foundation, African and Chinese civilizations have made great contributions to the development of human societies. In the history, western countries engaged in constant slavery and aggression against Africa under the camouflage of “civilizing mission”, and derogated Africa as the “continent without civilization”, and the African people as the “victims needed to be saved from suffering”. As a matter of fact, they had been playing tricks in the attempt to seize Africa's natural resources and enslave its people. However, the rapid development of Africa and its rising international status has once again proved the strong vitality of ancient African civilization. Indeed, African is displaying to the world its rich civilization and huge influence in their exchanges with the Chinese civilization.”
 
He expected further culture exchanges and mutual learning of civilization between China and Africa, hoping that the two sides could work together and make greater contribution to the course of human civilization.

Liu Yuxi is delivering a speech 
Liu Yuxi, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on African Affairs said, “Chinese modernization is the socialist modernization under the leadership of CPC. It has Chinese characteristics and suits for China itself. It helps China to achieve fast economic development and long-term social stability while promoting common prosperity and development for the building of a shared future for mankind. Chinese modernization is bond to provide more opportunities and bring benefits to more people including that of Africa. On the other hand, since the start of the new century, the AU has led African countries in accelerating the integration process and endogenous development. Many African countries have seen stable long-term economic growth, and Africa became one the fastest growing regions in the world. ”
 
“The development advantages of China and Africa are highly complementary, and the prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation are broad. As the most reliable strategic partner of Africa, China has been committed to support Africa by connecting its 40 years experience of opening and reform with African countries’ efforts in seeking sustainable development path, and connecting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with AU’s Agenda 2063 and other development strategies in Africa,” said Liu.

Ambassador Monday Semaya Kenneth Kumba is delivering a speech 
Monday Semaya Kenneth Kumba, ambassador of South Sudan to China suggested that the theme of the conference “Chinese Modernization and Africa's Development Path” shows the concerns of people around the world. China and Africa who are the strategic partners have carried out cooperation in a wide range of fields. With China’s support, Africa has become one of the fastest growing regions in the world.
 
“China's proposals for jointly building the BRI, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative are very important for Africa, and African countries fully support those initiatives. Africa has a positive view of China's role, as China does not interfere in our internal affairs and supports the independent development of African countries,” said ambassador Monday.

Zhen Zhanmin, Vice President of CASS is delivering a speech
At the opening ceremony, Gao Xiang presented four-volumes of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (Chinese editions, English editions and French editions) to the African scholars.
 

Gao Xiang presenting President Xi's books to African scholars
 “Thanks for this gift. This is very important for us. I started reading President Xi’s books years ago to try to learn about Xi’s thoughts. I found that there are many commonalities among Chinese leaders. Those books will be displayed in our university libraries for more people to read, so that it can better help us understand and study China,” said Professor Nkolo Foé, professor of the University of Yaoundé 1, Cameroon and member of the International Consultative Committee of China-Africa Institute (CAI).
 

Zhou Hong is delivering a speech
Gao Xiang said, “Xi’s important thoughts are regarded as the banner and soul of CPC and the Chinese nation in the new era. We are not going to understand today’s China, understand CPC, understand the Chinese miracle of modernization and the Chinese nation’s development path of great rejuvenation, unless we study the important thoughts of President Xi Jinping. I hope that by reading Xi’s books, we can deepen exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and African civilization. I hope that it will help African scholars and friends better understand the CPC and the Chinese nation today. I hope that you can draw inspirations from Xi’s thoughts for realizing modernization of your own country.”
 

Professor Nkolo Foé is delivering a speech
Four scholars delivered speeches during the keynote session. Professor Nkolo Foé said, “Both China and Africa suffered from colonialism and imperialism, and have fought against it in their history. Now Africa has achieved independence and liberation, but we must not forget our history, especially the history of slavery. Today, we embarked on our new journey, we have equipped with new thoughts and we know what we fight for. Now the western countries are bringing pressures to Africa, hoping to see confrontations between Africa and China and Russia. This is wrong and we should stay alert.”
 

Huang Qunhui is delivering a speech
“Chinese modernization is a vital innovation that is based on four theories: people-centered theory, the national condition theory, the coordinated development and peaceful development. It sets a model for developing countries in seeking of their own modernization, and offers the Chinese wisdom for promoting world peace and human progress,” said Huang Qunhui, director and research fellow of the Institute of Economics, CASS.
 

Professor Peter Kagwanja is delivering a speech 
Peter Kagwanja, president of the Africa Policy Institute in Kenya said, “The ever-deepening China-Africa ties have advanced the fast growth in Africa. Now the exchanges between Chinese and African civilizations are closer than ever. The GDI, GSI and GCI proposed by China uphold the common interests of the world. Africa has the responsibility to support those initiatives and strive to safeguard the common interests of the world. Chinese modernization and African modernization are two different modernization models with different civilizations and paths, but they share common goals and directions. That is to jointly build a China-Africa community for shared future.”
 

Li Anshan is delivering a speech  
Li Anshan, professor of Peking University, and honorary president of Chinese Society of African Historical Studies said, “Since 1978，China has been making great efforts to achieve fast economic growth. Now it has transferred from a poor country to the world’s second economy. China’s development offers inspiration for Africa, because China and Africa have similar experiences, they both suffered from plundering and invasion by western countries, and have valiantly fought against it in their history. China is a country with huge population and rich civilization. It upholds socialism with Chinese characteristics and adopts a political system of its own. If a country like China can realize development, then a Southern country can also make it. If China and Africa could join hands, together they can build a better future.”

 

Chairman and speakers at session 1
 

Chairman and speakers at session 2
 

Chairman and speakers at session 3
 

Chairman and speakers at session 4 
There are four subtopics been discussed at the conference, namely Global Civilization Initiative and Mutual Learning Between Chinese and African Civilizations; The 60th Anniversary of the Organization of African Unity and Friendship Between China and Africa; Exploration of Path to Modernization in China and Africa; China-Africa Joint Building of Belt and Road with High-Quality and Africa’s Development.
 

Professor Charles Onunaiju is delivering a speech
Charles Onunaiju, director of the Center for China Studies in Nigeria and member of the International Consultative Committee of CAI pointed out in his concluding speech that only by starting from a historical perspective can we see opportunities brought by history, and reach consensus between countries.
 
“China has always been learning from the history and respecting the history; therefore, China is able to tell the truth and grab the opportunity brought by the history. By exchanges ideas at a conference like this, now we have learned why China has made such huge progress, and how it went through a development path within only decades while it took hundreds of years for developed countries to do so. As a scholar, I will bring back the stories we heard in China today and try to stop rumors spread by western countries. Thank the host for offering us this opportunity for exchange. I believe we will see more cooperation going on between China and Africa in the future,” said Professor Onunaiju.
 

Li Xinfeng is delivering a speech 
Li Xinfeng, Executive President of CAI said at the closing ceremony, “We had an in-depth discussion about how mutual learning of civilization play an important role in development, and we have agreed on the following four points. Firstly, both China and Africa are exploring their own paths to modernization, which is the key for exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and African civilizations. Secondly, China-Africa high-quality construction of the BRI offers a practical platform for exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and African civilizations. Thirdly, the implementation of GCI points out the development path for exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and African civilizations. Lastly, Africa’s efforts in self-development and unity offers new opportunities for exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and African civilizations. I believe that through joint efforts, the exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and African civilizations will set an example for other civilizations in the world to engage in their exchanges and mutual learning, and therefore help to create a new form of human civilization.”
 

Wang Xiaoming, Vice President of CAI is delivering a speech 
The conference was attended by more than 100 people, including Chinese scholars and journalists, 12 scholars from Cameroon, Kenya, Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria, Mali and Ethiopia and other African countries, as well as the Permanent Representative of the African Union to China, the Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan to China, the Minister Counsellor of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to China, and the First Counsellor of the Republic of Senegal to China. The event was broadcast live with more than 8,800 people watching online.
 
 
 

International Seminar on China’s Poverty Reduction Practice Supports to AU Agenda 2063 held in Beijing

 
The international seminar themed China’s Poverty Reduction Practice Supports to AU Agenda 2063 was jointly hosted by China-Africa Institute, Mission of China to the African Union (AU) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) on 22 June 2021. The venues of the seminar were in Beijing and Addis Ababa respectively.
At the very beginning of the seminar, all participants stood in a one-minute silence tribute to Zambia’s founding President, H.E. Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda who coined the term of “all weather friendship” and had always been committed to the friendship between Zambia and China.
 
H.E. Ambassador Liu Yuxi, Head of Mission of China to AU and ECA, Ms. Thokozile Ruzvidzo, Director of Poverty and Social Policy Division at United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and Prof. Zhou Yunfan, Vice President of China-Africa Institute delivered the opening remarks. Prof. Wang Xiaoming, Vice President of China-Africa Institute chaired the event.
 
Upper left：Liu Yuxi，Upper right：Thokozile Ruzvidzo，Lower Left：Zhou Yunfan，Lower right：Wang Xiaoming
Eight speakers gave insightful presentations on the issues including China’s achievements in poverty reduction, Africa’s measures for poverty reduction and AU Agenda 2063, China-Africa cooperation in poverty reduction, poverty reduction and social development and poverty reduction and environmental protection. They were Mr. Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Trade and Industry of African Union Commission, Prof. Yang Baorong, Director of the Division of Economic Research, China-Africa Institute, Ambassador Jean-Léon Ngangu Ilunga, Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to AU and UNECA, Associate Prof. Liu Naiya, Director of the Division of Social & Cultural Studies, China-Africa Institute, Ambassador Rahamtalla M. Osman, Permanent Representative of AU to China, Mr. Stephen Ndegwa Mwangi, Executive Director of Kenya’s think tank South-South Dialogues, Prof. Tang Lixia, Deputy Dean of the College of International Development and Global Agriculture, China Agricultural University, and Ms. Edith Dinong Phaswana, Acting Head of the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute, University of South Africa.
 
Upper left：Albert Muchanga，Upper right：Yang Baorong，Lower Left：Jean-Léon Ngangu Ilunga，Lower right：Liu Naiya
 
Upper left：Rahamtalla M. Osman，Upper right：Stephen Ndegwa Mwangi，Lower Left：Tang Lixia，Lower right：Edith Dinong Phaswana
Mr. Zhao Ke, Director of the Division of Service and Management at World Tourism Alliance, Ms. Bao Rong, Professor of the Institute of African Studies and Tin Ka Ping Educational Science Research Institute at Zhejiang Normal University and Mr. Abdeta Beyene, Executive Director of Ethiopia’s think tank CDRC provided comments respectively after the eight speakers.
 
Up：Zhao Ke， middle：Zhao Ke， down：Abdeta Beyene
Ms. Mamusa Siyunyi, Representative from ECA, Prof. Wang Lincong, Vice President of China-Africa Institute and Mr. Chen Xufeng, Minister of Mission of China to AU and ECA, wrapped up the seminar with the conclusion remarks.
 
up ：Mamusa Siyunyi，middle：Wang Lincong， down：Chen Xufeng
This seminar was an important event following the sustainable development seminar held in Addis Ababa in December 2019, which was co-organized by China-Africa Institute, African Union and UNECA. The participating experts reviewed the history of China’s poverty alleviation and reached the common ground that the human-centered poverty alleviation was the core principle and guideline of China’s poverty alleviation. Participants believed that China and Africa are natural allies sharing the same goal and facing the same developmental challenges. To further establish the China-Africa community with shared future for mankind, it is important for community to facilitate African countries to achieve poverty reduction, to pursue sustainable development and to promote the well being of African people. China will enhance its cooperation with African Union and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in poverty reduction and sustainable developments. Such cooperation highlights the friendship between China and Africa and leads international aid to Africa, which contributes to the international responsibility of China.
 
Beijing venue
 
The venue of the Chinese Mission to the African Union in Addis Ababa

International Symposium on “Governance and Social-economic Development in China and Africa” in Pretoria, South Africa

On December 3, 2019, the International Conference on “Governance and Social-economic Development in China and Africa” which has sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Social Science(CASS), the China-Africa Institute(CAI) and the Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa (HSRCSA)was held in Pretoria, the Capital of South Africa. More than 200 well-known experts, policy officials, business representatives and media representatives from major Academic Institute in China and Africa attend the conference.

Li Xinfeng , the Executive Vice President of the CAI presided over the Opening Ceremony of the symposium . Xie Fuzhan , the President of the CASS. Crain Soudien ,the CEO to the HSRCSA. Lin Songtian , the Chinese Ambassador to South Africa attended and addressed at the Opening Ceremony.

President Xie has pointed out that over the past 70 years since the founding of the New China, the Communist Party of China(CPC)has led the Chinese people in their Independence, Self-reliance and Arduous Struggle, forged a miracle of the rapid economic development and long-term social stability that were rarely seen in the world. In particular, over the past four decades of the Reform and Opening-up, China has opened wider to the outside world, followed the path of peaceful development and actively integrated itself into the world. The Chinese nation has heralded a momentous shift from standing up, growing rich to becoming strong, reaching to the great leap forward. The most fundamental reason about that is the Communist Party of China leads the Chinese people to establish and perfect the System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, the formation and development of the Party's leadership and the economic, political, cultural, social, ecological civilization and various aspects system, continuously strengthen and improve the Governance. China will take more open vision and generous-mind to treat the civilizations by the people around the world, share the experience in Governance, conduct exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, and work together to make a better world.

President Xie said this year marks the 63th anniversary of the first establishment of diplomatic relations between the New China and Africa countries . The New China and Africa were based on the common experience and mission. The two sides people were looked out for one another and concerned about the welfare of their fellows，creat a distinguishing feature path of the win-win strategy which the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. We are facing both unprecedented opportunities and challenges. China-Africa to strengthen Governing politics and development into the highly significance，such as experience exchanges, promote both China and Africa into common prosperity, and continue to close the relations of the Community with a Shared Future will be of great significance for China-Africa.

The experts and scholars of China and Africa conducted in-depth discussions and shared their experience on the building of the Governance Capacity, Urbanization, Social Policies, Industrial Development and Innovation, and the two sides were drew the wisdom from both countries ancient civilizations and development practices, promote to  China and Africa into common prosperity.

Yao Guimei and Li Zhibiao , researchers of the CAI expressed their views on “The Implications of China’s Experience in Infrastructure Development for Africa Countries” and “Social Policy Options to Accelerate African Countries to Industrialization” respectively.

In the conference, the CAI launched “Communication and Governance Mechanism in China-Africa” creat the new path such as support the China-Africa joint researches, project training class, high-level conference research and other think-tank exchange mechanisms for deepen China-Africa mutual learning among civilizations, strengthen the management and development experience exchange, to provide intellectual support to the building of the China-Africa community with a shared future.

Country Report (Published)

Country Report (Published)