
The China-Africa Innovation Cooperation Center signs Memorandums of Cooperation with five key organizations at the event. [Photo/news.hzau.edu.cn]
The 2025 China-Africa Innovation Cooperation and Development Forum convened in Wuhan on Nov 20, bringing together a prestigious cohort of think tanks, universities, research institutions, and corporate leaders. The summit served as a high-level platform for deepening the strategic partnership between China and Africa in the new era.
During the opening ceremony, Qing Ping, vice president of Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU), highlighted the university's substantial scientific research contributions to African food security and talent development. Over the past year, HZAU has established a joint Science and Education Center with Egypt's Benha University, signed a strategic pact with the University of Rwanda, and set up a demonstration base in the Republic of Congo. Qing noted that over 100 agricultural technicians have been trained in Mozambique.
Mohamed El Hacen Lebatt, former director of the Bureau of the Chairperson of the African Union, lauded the forum as one of the most influential platforms for Africa's global engagement. To enhance long-term efficacy, he proposed establishing a permanent secretariat and specialized institutions to further involve academia and the public in South-South cooperation.
The forum culminated in tangible progress as the China-Africa Innovation Cooperation Center signed Memorandums of Cooperation with five key organizations. Additionally, the event marked the official establishment of the China-Africa Science and Technology Cooperation Think Tank Expert Committee, with appointment letters presented to the first cohort of 11 distinguished experts.