On September 3, 2018, while giving remarks during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), President Xi Jinping proposed that “China will proactively implement the Eight Major Initiatives (No 7)” and that China decided to establish an institute of African studies to enhance exchanges with Africa on civilization”. To establish the China-Africa Institute topped the agenda of “People-to-People Exchanges” of the “Eight Major Initiatives” on China-Africa relations.

The China-Africa Institute (CAI) was inaugurated in Beijing on April 9, 2019, when President Xi Jinping sent a congratulation letter to commemorate CAI’s establishment. Mr. Yang Jiechi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee at that time, read President Xi’s congratulation letter and delivered a speech. Mr. Xie Fuzhan, President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences at that time, chaired the opening ceremony. Mr. Joaquim Chissano, Former President of Mozambique, and Ms. Sarah Anyang, the African Union Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology made remarks. About 300 scholars and political representatives presented the Inauguration ceremony.

CAI is a national and international intellectual hub for African studies based in Beijing, which is committed to convening academics, think tanks and relevant research resources, to deepening mutual understanding and to strengthening the exchange of China-Africa governance experiences. CAI provides intellectual support for China’s cooperation with African countries within the framework of the “Belt and Road Initiative”, aiming to build a comprehensive strategic China-Africa partnership for the future and a stronger China-Africa community with a shared future.

Main functions of the CAI

—— A platform for China-Africa academic exchanges. CAI hosts a series of seminars and international conferences, including China Lectures, Africa Lectures, and Ambassador Lectures.

—— A research base to support the “Belt and Road Initiative.” CAI is calling for bids on joint research projects on the China-Africa studies every year.

—— A high ground for prestigious government and academic professionals. CAI serves for high-profile professional development, academic exchanges and degree education.

—— A window for people-to-people exchange with Africa and cultivation for China-Africa friendships. CAI publishes the multilingual academic journal, like Journal of China-Africa Studies in Chinese, English and French, and manages and maintains the CAI’s website.

Organization of the CAI

CAI is a prominent research hub supported by the abundant academic and intellectual resources of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and its time-honored friendship with African countries. More than 70 staff members are now working in 6 research divisions and 2 editorial offices.