The 5th Abuja Forum, held on November 6, 2024, at Zhejiang Normal University, brought together nearly 100 scholars from Africa and China to explore “Effecting the Spirit of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Promoting Shared Goals for the Future of China-Africa Modernization”. 

The Abuja Forum, established in 2018, has been successfully held for four meetings with the support of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the joint efforts of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University and the Gusau Institute. It has become an important platform for dialogue and exchange between Chinese and African government, think tanks and civil society.

Prof. Liu Hongwu, Director Director of IASZNU, led the opening ceremony while Prof. Zhang Jianzhen, Vice President of ZJNU, delivered a welcome speech on behalf of the university to the distinguished guests attending the event. 

Lt. Gen. Aliyu Gusau Mohammed, founder of GI, celebrated the forum's first hosting in China, advocating openness in trade, technology, and cultural collaboration.

Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, called for continuous learning and strategic international partnerships to tackle global challenges like climate change and disease, emphasizing Nigerian universities’ role in promoting sustainable development.

Ms. Ninikanwa O. Okey-uche, Minister at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in China, underscored the forum’s importance for collaboration in resilient industries, skill-building, and private-sector investment, while affirming the forum as a model for international cooperation.

During the ceremony, 19 African scholars were appointed as visiting researchers at IASZNU. Prof. Liu presented certificates, encouraging joint research and robust China-Africa academic networks. 

There was also a launch of Prof. Liu Hongwu's new book “Seventy Years of China-Africa Relations: A Chinese Scholar's Observation in His Academic Jounery to Africa” and remarks by Huang Juanqin, Vice President of Zhejiang University Press.

Following the opening ceremony, the keynote address was delivered by H.E. President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, Former President of Nigeria online.

The 5th Abuja Forum included three sub-topics: “Jointly Advancing Modernization through the Implementation of the Africa-China Dar es Salaam Consensus with Shared Goals”, “Implementation of the Ten Cooperation Plans for Addressing the Maritime Problems Preventing Africa from Successfully Implementing the AfCFTA Goals”, and “Investing in Vocational Education to Implement the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development”. Prof. Diya’uddeen Basheer Hassan, Prof. Zhang Qiaowen, Prof. Ehizuelen Michael, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, Prof. Abbati D. K. Muhammad, and Mr. Chen Jiquan delivered speeches respectively.

In addition, 18 representatives from Chinese and African universities, think tanks, media, and the business community engaged in round-table discussions on “Building a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future through the Implementation of the Dar es Salaam Consensus”, “The Role of Knowledge Sharing in Prioritizing Development”, and “The Role of Security Cooperation in Prioritizing Development”. They sincerely shared perspectives and viewpoints, which not only stimulated and inspired each other's thoughts but also further deepened mutual understanding and recognition.

At the closing, Abubakar Mohammed Yusuf, Chairman of the Steering Committee of GI, commended participants. He believed that the Abuja Forum had held five meetings, attracting an increasing number of participants from various sectors, all committed to promoting high-quality China-Africa cooperation. 

Followed by vote of thanks by Prof.Wang Heng, Deputy Director of IASZNU. She stated that China and Africa can further strengthen cooperation in exploring the path to modernization through exchanges of governance experience, achieving win-win cooperation through high-level opening up, enhancing people's well-being through small yet beautiful projects, promoting sustainable social development through low-carbon cooperation, and creating a modernization development environment by seeking peace together. 

Prof. Liu concluded by stressing the importance of China-Africa collaboration to foster a more inclusive global order. He urged to build upon the Dar es Salaam Consensus and within the framework of the Abuja Forum, further focus on promoting the modernization and industrialization processes of Nigeria and African countries, and foster China-Africa industrial cooperation, digital economy, and the development of young people.