In commemoration of the 60^th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Tanzania and following the success of the recent Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Zhang Donggang, Council Chair of Renmin University of China (RUC), led a delegation on an official visit to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Angola. As the first Chinese university to embark on a post-summit Africa visit, RUC aimed to advance new frontiers in China-Africa higher education cooperation.

During the trip, Zhang Donggang visited the Nyerere Leadership School, participated in the “Joint Advancement of Global South Modernization” symposium, and attended the inauguration for the China-Africa Joint Research Centre for Exchanges and Mutual Learning between Civilizations. These events represent RUC’s commitment to enhancing China-Africa educational ties in alignment with the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027) and the “Three Global Initiatives”,

Promoting Chinese Modernization Insights in Africa

On October 9, Zhang Donggang visited the Nyerere Leadership School, meeting with Principal Marcellina Chijoriga to sign an agreement on inter-school cooperation and to donate over a thousand Chinese-language books covering topics such as governance, poverty alleviation, and Chinese modernization. Zhang Donggang emphasized the longstanding collaboration between RUC and the Nyerere Leadership School in curriculum development, training programs, and academic exchanges. He pointed out that the official signing of the cooperation agreement signals the start of a new chapter for deepened cooperation. RUC is willing to work alongside the Nyerere Leadership School in advancing the vision of a China-Africa community with a shared future. Through joint academic research, open dialogue, and mutual learning, the two institutions can foster greater understanding and cooperation toward modernization and strengthened China-Africa relations.

Following the signing and book donation ceremony, Zhang attended the “Joint Advancement of Global South Modernization” symposium, where he delivered a keynote address titled “China’s Response to Modernization Challenges”. He noted that Chinese modernization is never individualistic, but aims for a collective path to modernization through partnerships with other developing nations. He also emphasized the importance of guiding China-Africa cooperation to new levels, with a focus on the six areas of modernization and the ten partnership initiatives to advance global modernization efforts. Experts at the symposium echoed this sentiment, highlighting China’s achievements as valuable examples for countries pursuing modernization.

During his visit, Zhang Donggang also held discussions with Mangula, Vice Chairman (Mainland) of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM, Party of the Revolution), and Kabudi, Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs of Tanzania, on advancing academic cooperation and exchange programs between RUC and Tanzania. All sides agreed to deepen practical collaboration and leverage the role of the Nyerere Leadership School to support China-Africa modernization efforts.

Advancing Cultural and Civilizational Exchange

On October 11, the inauguration of the China-Africa Joint Research Centre for Exchanges and Mutual Learning between Civilizations took place at the University of Zimbabwe. This centre, co-established by RUC and the University of Zimbabwe, aims to foster cultural exchange and collaboration on global development, peace and security, and cultural diversity. The centre will operate from both RUC’s Research Institute of Chinese Civilization and the University of Zimbabwe’s Harare campus.

In his remarks, Zhang Donggang emphasized the enduring friendship between China and Africa, marking the centre as an important measure for building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, as well as a vital platform for promoting civilizational exchange, peaceful coexistence of cultures, and mutual progress.

Following the ceremony, the inaugural China-Africa Civilizational Forum was held at the University of Zimbabwe, themed “Chinese Modernization and Building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era”. The forum featured two sub-forums: “Development as the Core: Sharing Knowledge Systems” and “Consensus Gathers Strength, Cooperation Creates Value”. Over thirty experts and scholars from China, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and other countries participated in the discussions.

Forging Higher Education Partnerships and Talent Development in Africa

During his visit, Zhang Donggang led a delegation to meet with Paula de Oliveira, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation of Angola, and visited the Agostinho Neto University, the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, and the University of Zimbabwe. The focus was on deepening collaboration between African universities to implement the “Three Major Global Initiatives”, aiming to create a paradigm for China-Africa higher education cooperation in the new era.

During the meeting with Minister de Oliveira, Zhang Donggang expressed hope for practical cooperation in education and cultural exchange to further enhance bilateral relations. After the meeting, Zhang Donggang visited the Agostinho Neto University and met with its president, Pedro Magalhães, where they signed an academic cooperation agreement. Zhang emphasized the importance of exploring a collaborative talent training mechanism and establishing a long-term academic cooperation framework to integrate resources from both universities, aiming for breakthroughs in academic research and talent development.

RUC also signed an inter-university cooperation agreement with the University of Dar es Salaam, focusing on resource sharing in key disciplines, exchanging modernization development experiences, creating a collaborative talent training mechanism, and expanding academic collaboration platforms for scholars.

While in Zimbabwe, Zhang met with Paul Mapfumo, the Executive President of the University of Zimbabwe, where they discussed establishing a collaborative talent training mechanism, integrating resources for discipline development, and creating high-level academic exchange programs.

As a member of the “China-Africa University Cooperation Program”, RUC will continue to deepen practical cooperation with African partner institutions, expand its network of cooperation in African universities, enhance exchanges in education, culture, and technology, and foster mutual understanding and trust among the youth of both regions, thereby providing a stronger foundation of public opinion and social consensus for China-Africa cooperation.

Jointly Implementing “Three Major Global Initiatives”

On October 14, Zhang Donggang attended the 6^th China Annual Conference on Sustainable Development in Luanda, Angola. In his keynote speech, Zhang Donggang emphasized that sustainable development is key to China-Africa cooperation and aligns with the shared aspirations of both peoples for a better life. Zhang Donggang highlighted China’s achievements under the CPC, including poverty eradication and ecological improvement, and the valuable insights they offer for global sustainable practices.

Zhang Donggang called for expanding cooperation to build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future and fostering cultural exchanges to strengthen friendships. He expressed hope that all sides would focus on sharing experiences, enhancing cooperation, and pursuing joint development. By supporting each other and promoting collective development, China and Africa can contribute to the modernization of the Global South, and ultimately work together to create a better future for humanity.

The conference featured three forums addressing topics including “Chinese Poverty Alleviation and Economic Development Experiences under Party Leadership”, “Development Practices and Cooperation between China and Africa”, and “Promoting Inclusive Economic Globalization”. Experts from various institutions, including RUC’s School of Marxism and School of Applied Economics, shared insights and engaged in deep discussions on China’s poverty alleviation and modernization.

During his visit, Zhang also met with Chinese ambassadors to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Angola to discuss enhancing higher education cooperation in Africa. He reaffirmed RUC’s commitment to collaborating under initiatives like the Belt and Road, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Development Initiative, emphasizing contributions to the long-term development of China-Africa relations.

Zhang Donggang also visited the Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe, where he met the teachers and students of the Institute as well as the Zimbabwean alumni of the “China Development Research and Media Exchange” training program for foreign journalists.

Through this visit, RUC has expanded its collaborative network with African universities, advancing the goals of the “Three Global Initiatives” and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Action Plan. RUC will continue to foster mutual understanding between China and Africa, contributing its expertise toward building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.