From April 10 to 13, 2024, after the successful convening of the 3rd conference on Dialogue Between Chinese and African Civilizations, 12 scholars were invited to Fujian Province conducting research on Chinese modernization. The scholars are from 9 African countries including Algeria, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Uganda, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Benin, and Sierra Leone, along with the Chief of Staff of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. The event is one of the series of activities under the project “African Ambassadors and Scholars’ field visit to China”, developed by the China-Africa Institute (CAI) to deepen mutual understanding and exchange of civilization between China and Africa.

African scholars are visiting exhibition featuring 30th anniversary of "3820" strategic project

On April 10, 2024 the delegation of African scholars first visited the achievement exhibition featuring the 30th anniversary of “3820” strategic project in the Party School of Fuzhou. President Xi Jinping's significant thought and practice in promoting the economic and social development of Fuzhou left a profound impression on the scholars. Sweta Chaman Saxena, Chief of Staff of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, remarked that President Xi Jinping's work experience in Fuzhou shows his far-sighted strategic thoughts and the philosophy of people-centered development, and the current achievements in development of Fuzhou owe much to the development strategy he had established.

Li Dejin is having meeting with members of the delegation 

Li Dejin, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of Fujian Provincial People’s Congress welcomed the delegation after the visit to the exhibition. He introduced the economic and social development of Fujian province and mentioned that Fujian is an important breeding ground of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. He highlighted Fujian’s commitment to building a bright future with Africa through deepened economic ties, cultural exchanges, and the expansion of sister city relationships. Smail Debeche, President of the Algeria-China Friendship Association, expressed that the visit deepened their understanding of Xi Jinping’s thought on governance. China and Africa enjoy a long-lasting friendship. He praised Fujian’s sound environment and rich culture, and looked to strengthen ties with Fujian to broaden Africa-Fujian collaboration for mutual benefits and shared success. 

African scholars are visiting China Shipbuilding Cultural Museum

On the mooring of April 11, 2024, the delegation visited the China Shipbuilding Cultural Museum in Mawei District, Fuzhou. The museum displays a large number of precious cultural relics, pictures and models and introduces the Fuzhou Shipbuilding School and the development and scientific and technological achievements of the shipbuilding in history, helping the African scholars understand the development of Chinese shipbuilding culture, the arduous journey of China's exploration of modernization and the spirit of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

African scholars are visting unmanned aerial vehicle incubator in Fuzhou

On the afternoon of April 11, 2024, the African scholars visited an unmanned aerial vehicle incubator in Fuzhou to learn Fujian’s progress in drone technologies and the development of China's UAVs in military and civilian fields. Allawi Ssemanda, Executive Director of Uganda Development Watch Centre, remarked on the high level and rapid development of China's UAVs industry. There is plenty of demand for UAVs in agriculture, conservation, and healthcare sectors in Africa, indicating great potential of cooperation between China and Africa in the UAVs industry in the future.

African scholars are visting Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) in Ningde 

On the morning of April 12, 2024 the delegation visited the Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) in Ningde. The African scholars learned about the development process, product design and automated battery production lines of the company. Gohi Bi Foua Claude Alain, associate professor of Panzhihua University, expressed his keen interest in the advanced battery technology and excellent management practices of CATL, and the expectations for further cooperation between China and Africa in the field of new energy. 

African scholars are visting Xiaqi Village

On the afternoon of April 12, 2024, the African scholars visited Xiaqi Village to investigate the local rural revitalization efforts and the relocation project of the boat-dwelling fishermen. Boat dwellers used to be a special poor group living on boats for generations. The overall relocation of boat dwellers leads boat dwellers out of poverty and live prosperous lives on land, optimizes the success of China’s targeted poverty alleviation and the fruitful results of the continuous efforts by the Chinese people brought about by Chinese modernization. Yusufu Ali Zoaka, professor of the University of Abuja in Nigeria, stated that the relocation project for boat dwellers provides a new way to support and improve the living conditions of fishermen, and help addressing similar poverty issues faced by substantial population in African countries.

African scholars are visting exhibition on poverty alleviation in Ningde

On the morning of April 13, 2024, the delegation visited the exhibition on poverty alleviation in Ningde. The exhibition comprehensively documenting the thinking and actions of President Xi in the area of poverty reduction when he worked in Ningde, showcasing the spirit of Min Dong, which emphasizes perseverance and determination. Aisha Sani Maikudi, Vice President of Abuja University in Nigeria, expressed profound inspiration in China's lasting progress in reducing poverty, which provides valuable lessons and solutions to accelerating poverty reduction in African countries.

The research visit of the African scholars to Fujian to study Chinese modernization concluded successfully. The African scholars expressed that during this trip, they learned about President Xi Jinping's visionary leadership and his dedication to serving the people, as well as personally experienced the strength of China's spirit in poverty alleviation and the governing philosophy and practice of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which prioritizes the well-being of the people. They now have a more comprehensive understanding of China's successful experiences in modernization and have gained new insights into what African countries can learn from China's experiences.