Jan. 8.

Director-General & Prof. Liu Hongwu’s fifth English book,From Tribal Society to Nation-State: A Survey of the National Development of Nigeria, was published by PETER LANG. The work, based on his 2000 Chinese publication, enhances the global dissemination of Chinese scholarship.

Jan. 8.

The bookChina–Sierra Leone Relations: Friendship, Cooperation & Win-Win Diplomacy, edited by former Sierra Leone Foreign Minister Prof. David J. Francis, with Director-General & Prof. Liu Hongwu writing the foreword, was published in the UK and its launch was held in Sierra Leone on Jan. 8.

Jan. 26.

Premier Li Qiang met with foreign experts, including Prof. Yoro Diallo of the Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, at the Great Hall of the People on January 26. As one of six speakers, Prof. Diallo offered advice on China’s development and China-Africa cooperation.

Feb.19

Associate Researcher Xiao Yuhua fromthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University attended the "Horn of Africa Think Tank Scholars Seminar" in Beijing on February 19. The event, co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the China Institute of International Studies, gathered officials and scholars to discuss regional issues.

Mar. 30

Dr. Rodrigue, Director of the African Film and Television Research Center atthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, participated in the Zhongguancun Forum Annual Conference in Beijing on March 30, contributing to a panel on AI-driven transformation of film production, cultural expression, and China–Africa audiovisual cooperation.

Apr. 9

Mr. Daryl Swanepoel, CEO of South Africa’s Institute for Inclusive Society and Visiting Fellow atthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, together with Ms. Zhao Jianling, advisor to the Institute and President of the All-Africa Chinese Women’s Federation, visitedthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University to discuss China–Africa think tank cooperation and G20-related research on Apr. 9–10.

Apr. 24

Director-General & Prof. Liu Hongwu delivered a keynote speech at the international seminar marking the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, highlighting African-Asian solidarity and Global South cooperation on April 24, in Lomé.

Apr. 27

Director-General & Prof. Liu Hongwu led a delegation to inspect a gas power plant built by Jiangsu Communication Clean Energy Technology Co.,Ltd. (CCETC) in Sagamu during field research in Nigeria on April 27, discussing Nigeria’s industrialization and China–Nigeria, China–Africa energy cooperation.

Apr. 28

The 2nd Lagos Forum, held on April 28, in Lagos, Nigeria, focused on deepening China-Nigeria relations and African development. Co-hosted by the Chinese Consulate in Lagos,the Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University and other organizations, the forum attracted over 100 representatives and received widespread media coverage.

Apr. 29

Director-General＆Prof. Liu Hongwu visited former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta on April 29, they discussed Nigeria’s development and China-Nigeria cooperation.

May 3

Director-General＆Prof. Liu Hongwu, during a research trip to Nigeria's Niger Delta, co-founded the Niger Delta Belt and Road Forum with his former mentor, Prof. E.J. Alagoa,a renowned Nigerian historian. The forum aims to strengthen China-Africa and China-Nigeria regional cooperation.

May 4

Director-General & Prof. Liu Hongwu was interviewed by Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Lagos on May 4, He discussed China-Africa, China-Nigeria cooperation, and his 35-year academic journey in Nigeria, focusing on post-Lagos Forum actions.

May 8

The "2025 Ibadan Forum - China-Nigeria Youth Academic Dialogue" was held at the University of Ibadan on May 8. Co-hosted by the Department of History at Ibadan University andthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, it brought together students and faculty for academic exchanges on Nigeria’s local research and China-Nigeria relations.

May 30

The Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University launched the China-Africa Media Research and Communication Center on May 30. The event, featuring media representatives and scholars from China and Africa, discussed media cooperation. It was attended by experts including Africa-China Economy editor Ikenna Emewu and CGTN Africa editor and producer Douglas Akwasi and so on.

June 28

Director-General & Prof. Liu Hongwu ofthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University was awarded the "Friend of Africa Award" for his outstanding contributions to African development and China-Africa cooperation at the 11th Pride of Africa Asia Pacific Awards in Beijing on June 28, following his nomination by the Nigerian Embassy in China.

July 9

The "Building a China-Africa Community of Shared Destiny" seminar was held in Libreville, Gabon on July 9. Co-hosted bythe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, the University of Bongo, and the Chinese Embassy in Gabon, the event focused on deepening China-Gabon cooperation and advancing Africa’s modernization.

July 10

Led by Deputy Dean Xu Wei, a delegation fromthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University visited the University of Bongo in Gabon on July 10 to discuss enhancing China-Gabon academic cooperation. The meeting focused on research, talent development, and cultural exchanges.

July 14

The delegation fromthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University met with leaders of the Prometheus Think Tank in Gabon on July 14, including Hugues Mbadinga Madiya, former Prime Minister and economist. The meeting, facilitated by the Chinese Embassy in Gabon, focused on enhancing China-Africa academic exchanges and fostering collaboration.

July 16

A delegation fromthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University visited the Chinese medical aid team in Gabon’s Libreville on July 16. They discussed healthcare practices, Chinese medicine application, and China-Africa medical collaboration with the Tianjin medical team.

Aug. 20

Director-General & Prof. Liu Hongwu ofthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University and his academic team were invited to give a lecture at the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia on August 20. They discussed the characteristics of African civilization and the significance of China-Ethiopia and China-Africa cooperation. Ambassador Chen Hai praised their contributions to fostering China-Africa friendship and cooperation.

Aug. 21

The Reader's Sharing Session on "Xi Jinping's Discourse on Respecting and Safeguarding Human Rights" was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on August 21. The event featuredDirector-General & Prof. Liu Hongwu and African leaders, hosted bythe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, China Human Rights Research Association, and others.

Aug. 22

The First China-Africa Human Rights Seminar was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on August 22. Co-hosted by China Human Rights Research Association, the Ethiopian Policy Studies Institute, andthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, the event aimed to foster cooperation and development in global human rights governance.

Aug. 24

Director-General & Prof. Liu Hongwu ofthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University led a research team to the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway for an on-site study onAugust 24. The visit aimed to analyze the project’s operational model, challenges, and its impact on regional development as part of China-Africa infrastructure cooperation.

Sept. 2

The Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University’s journal “African Studies” was selected for inclusion in CSSCI (2025-2026), marking its third consecutive selection since 2021. Founded in 2010 byDirector-General Liu Hongwu, this comprehensive academic publication on African research has maintained stable quality and received sustained recognition from the academic community.

Sept. 8

Dr. Thomas Wilkinson, Researcher from the Center for African Studies at University of Porto, Portugal, visitedthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University in Jinhua to deliver a lecture titled “Redrawing 1884, Africa in the 21st Century: A Problem-oriented Approach to African Cultural History”.

Sept. 9
Professor Liu Hongwu received the Zhejiang Provincial Outstanding Teacher Award. As theDirector-General ofthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, he was recognized for advancing China-Africa studies, nurturing talents, and leading the institute’s long-standing contributions to academic collaboration and people-to-people exchange.

Sept. 10

The teaching achievement “Strategic Leadership, Interdisciplinary Integration, Collaborative Innovation: Graduate Training System for African Area Studies” led byDirector-General ofthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, Prof. Liu Hongwu won Zhejiang Provincial Teaching Achievement Award First Prize, recognizing IASZNU's innovative educational framework.

Sept. 12

Professor Xu Wei's research project, “Adaptation and Development: Chinese New Immigrants in Africa”, has been awarded major funding under Zhejiang Provincial Philosophy and Social Science Leading Talent Cultivation Program, underscoringthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University's commitment to field-based research.

Sept. 17

The Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University has be designated as a “National Influence Think Tank” by Zhejiang Provincial Social Science Association, in recognition of its expanding influence in policy research and academic contributions to China-Africa relations.

Sept. 18

Professor Hu Yang fromthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University addressed the China-Central African countries Think Tank Seminar in Kinshasa, advocating for China-DRC cooperation under a human community with a shared future to advance infrastructure and industrial diversification.

Sept. 18

Dr. Ou Yufang delivered a report at the Asian TVET Seminar, presenting a new ecosystem model for China-Africa vocational education cooperation, highlighting the institute’s research leadership and policy-oriented academic contribution.

Sept. 19

The Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University has been selected for the “2025 AMI Think Tank Evaluation” in China and recognized as a Featured Case!

Sept. 20

Director-General Liu Hongwu elaborated on the method of “Problem—Practice—Theory Trilogy” and the idea of being “Grounded at Both Ends, Lifted in the Middle” in Area and Country Studies, with scholars acting as bridges linking China and partner countries.

Sept. 22

The plaque-awarding ceremony of Zhejiang Provincial Regional and Country Research Center was held at Zhejiang Normal University. The event signified the formal designation ofthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University as a provincial-level research hub and served to establish strategic cooperation between Jinhua City and the Provincial Social Science Association.

Sept. 26

Professor Zhao Jun has recently contributed his translation ofDiscovery of the Source of the Nile by John Hanning Speke to the “Translation Series of African Area Studies” , edited byDirector-General Liu Hongwu.

Sept. 26

Prof. Liu Hongwu, theDirector-General ofthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, attended the Fourth Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou, released the China-Africa Digital Trade Development Report (2023-2025) at “Africa Day” and held a talk with Mr. Sheng Qiuping, the Vice-Minister of Commerce. In their meeting, Liu stressed the pivotal role of digital trade in enhancing China-Africa cooperation and facilitating Africa’s leapfrog development.

Sept. 29
The Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University co-hosted the “Internet Media Cooperation and Promoting People-to-People Connectivity Sub-forum” as part of the China-Africa Internet Development and Cooperation Forum, demonstrating its pivotal role in merging academic research with media practice to advance China-Africa people-to-people exchange.

Oct. 15

The Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University held the “Youth-Youth Dialogue” under the Kilimanjaro Forum, where VP Zhu Zhujun from Zhejiang Gongshang University delivered a lecture titled “Original Aspiration and Future: The Growth Path of Young Teachers”, inspiring young faculty through insightful academic exchange.

Oct. 17

Zhejiang Normal University’s Area and Country Studies (IASZNU) ranked Top 2 nationwide in the ShanghaiRanking Best Chinese Subjects, showcasing ZJNU’s nationally leading model rooted in IASZNU’s pioneering interdisciplinary research.

Oct. 20

The Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, in collaboration with the Department of History, University of Ibadan, successfully co-hosted the Second Ibadan Forum in Nigeria. Centered on the theme “Convergence or Divergence? Africa’s Development in an Era of Global Partnership and Shared Destiny”, the forum severed to foster deeper China-Africa academic cooperation.

Oct. 20

The “African Potential” series (5 volumes), co-edited by Professor Xu Weijie andDirector-General ofthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, Prof. Liu Hongwu, was published by East China Normal University Press and selected as a 2024 National Publishing Fund Project, offering comprehensive perspectives on Africa's multidimensional development.

Oct. 21

The African Regional Development Report (2023-2024) compiled bythe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University and published by Social Sciences Academic Press was officially released, providing systematic analysis of Africa's political, economic, social developments and China-Africa relations with focus on agriculture, digital economy, and AfCFTA implementation.

Oct. 23

The Sixth Abuja Forum was jointly hosted by the Gusau Institute andthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution in Abuja, focusing on implementing the “China-Africa Cooperation 2035 Vision” and advancing a closer China-Africa community with a shared future.

Oct. 24

Zhejiang Normal University hosted the China-Africa Seminar on Mathematics Research and Education Cooperation and Inauguration of the China-Africa Center of Mathematics on Oct. 24, bringing together leading mathematicians from China, Africa, and beyond to advance China-Africa scientific collaboration.

Oct. 26
Prof. Liu Hongwu,Director-General ofthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, delivered a keynote speech at the International Competency Development Annual Conference co-hosted byZhejiang Normal University, showcasing the institute’s 40-year Africa research practice, three-service framework, and its innovative “problem-practice-theory” talent cultivation approach.

Oct. 27

Dr. Ehizuelen Michael Mitchell Omoruyi published an article onChina Daily titled “From Blueprint to Impact”, praising China’s 14th Five-Year achievements. TheInstitute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University contributed expert analysis that highlighted China’s development pathways and their significance for the Global South today.

Oct. 28

Representatives fromthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University officially launched the Kano Fieldwork Station and Nigeria Chinese Business Investment Research Institute in Kano, establishing a permanent collaborative academic-industry platform to support Chinese enterprises and facilitate student research in Nigeria.

Nov. 3

Dr. Zhang Sai,a lecturer atthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, was conferred the prestigious title of “Zhijiang Young Social Science Scholar” by the Zhejiang Federation of Humanities and Social Sciences, a highly selective provincial program that supports top emerging and promising scholars.

Nov. 5

Zhejiang Normal University held an Appointment Ceremony conferring an Honorary Professorship on Dr. Hodan Osman Abdi, Somali Ambassador to China, recognizing her long-standing contributions to China-Somalia friendship and academic exchange.

Nov. 6

Prof.Liu Hongwu,theDirector-General ofthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University proposed the Four-Talents Strategy at a Ministry of Science and Technology seminar to deepen China-Africa sci-tech cooperation through talent attraction, cultivation, tempering, and achievement.

Nov. 7

2025 China-Africa Economic, Trade and Cultural Forum in Jinhua, co-hosted bythe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, saw the publication of research reports, the organization of sub-forums on business, culture, law, and diaspora, and meetings with foreign delegations.

Nov. 8

H.E. Daniel Mukoko, DRC Vice Prime Minister, undertook a visit tothe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University. Guided by Prof. Liu Hongwu, he toured the African Museum, commended the university’s deep respect for African culture, and, in subsequent talks, discussed prospects for future China—DRC cooperation in agriculture and education.

Nov. 15

Pre-G20, Xinhua News Agency, theAfrican Union, South African Media andthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University co-hosted the Global South Media＆Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partner Conference in Johannesburg, bringing African leaders together to spotlight China-Africa cooperation, Global South unity and Africa’s stronger voice in global governance.

Nov. 15

At the opening of the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference in Johannesburg, Professor Liu Hongwu, theDirector-General ofthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University stressed Africa’s rising role in global governance, urging closer China-Africa media cooperation and stronger Global South voices.

Nov. 17

The Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University and South Africa’s Inclusive Society Institute held a seminar in Cape Town marking FOCAC’s 25th anniversary on Nov. 17, where experts from Africa and China addressed China-Africa cooperation, shared insights on G20 Summit, and echoed President Xi’s reply to African scholars.

Nov. 19

Professor Liu Hongwu, theDirector-General ofthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, delivered a keynote at the Small Island States Forum, outlining an innovative Area Studies ecosystem and drawing on Africa-focused practice to stress problem-driven research, two-way engagement&sustainable cooperation for deeper Global South collaboration.

Nov. 21

The Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University was once again selected as a CTTI Top 100 University Think Tank (A-level rating), with its publication “Ideas and Practices of China-Africa Jointly Building Modernization under Global South Context” winning CTTI 2025 Outstanding Research Achievement Grand Prize, affirming its leadership in China-Africa scholarly research.

Nov. 23

Prof. Liu Hongwu brought the “Ink-Wash Africa” series to South Africa, using ink art to depict African imagery and advance China-Africa cultural dialogue through exhibitions, donations, and campus exchanges, highlighting the creative fusion of the two civilizations.

Nov. 25

The Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University and CICG Europe-Africa signed a strategic pact in Beijing. Subsequently, they jointly convened a seminar on China–Africa Modernization, presided over by Director Zhao Lijun and Prof. Liu Hongwu. The partnership was further solidified by the appointment of key advisors and the inauguration of an Arab-Africa Research Center—a series of initiatives designed to boost bilateral academic and cultural ties.

Nov. 28

The Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University’s China-South Africa People-to-People Exchanges Research Center has launched the Annual Report on China-Africa People-to-People Exchanges under the BRICS Framework (2023-2024).Building upon previous work, this edition innovatively extends its analysis to include Egypt and Ethiopia, while also exploring themes of migration and the impact of the expanded BRICS.

Dec. 2

As part of the China-Africa Ambassadors atZhejiang Normal University Series, Amb. Teshome Toga Chanka, veteran Ethiopian diplomat, gave two lectures at ZJNU on 2nd Dec., chaired by Prof. Liu Hongwu, theDirector-General ofthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, calling for deeper China-Africa education ties, cementing IASZNU as a key bridge for scholarly inquiry.

Dec.3
Prof. Yoro Diallo ofthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, a 2024 Chinese Government Friendship Award recipient, was interviewed by Global Times, where he interpreted the Book of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China and shared insights on China–Africa cooperation＆modernization, and global governance system.

Dec.10

Bring together Chinese and African human-rights scholars,the Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University hosted the launch event for the China-Africa Human Rights Think Tank Network and Its Human Rights Center at ZJNU on 10 Dec. During the event, Prof. Liu Hongwu, theDirector-General ofIASZNU, urged putting development rights first, integrating human rights with governance and economic growth.

Dec. 11

The inaugural meeting of the Zhejiang Provincial Association for Area and Country Studies was held in Hangzhou on Dec. 11. Prof. Liu Hongwu, theDirector-General ofthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University chaired the launch, which brought together university leaders and more than 160 officials and scholars. The gathering marks a significant milestone in advancing regional and country studies.

Dec. 17
Mr. Ma Wenbing, President of the Yiwu Shandong Chamber of Commerce, visitedthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University on Dec.17. He delivered a lecture on Chinese enterprises’ overseas operations, analyzing overseas business growth trends, global value chains, economic shifts, and comparative market cases.

Dec. 20

In an interview with China Daily, Professor Liu Hongwu,Director-General ofthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University asserted that the development of human rights in Africa should be grounded in the continent’s own realities. He stressed that respecting for African countries’ autonomy is essential for achieving lasting stability and progress.

Dec. 25

On Dec. 25, Dr. Li Kaiyi from the German Leibniz Institute for Educational Media delivered a lecture titled “Educational Media: Past, Present and Future”atthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University. The event was presided over by Associate Researcher Ou Yufang and attracted faculty and students from multiple schools.

Dec. 26

The graduation ceremony of China’s first undergraduate experimental program in African Area and Country Studies was held atthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University on Dec. 26. The program, founded under the direction of Prof. Liu Hongwu, pioneers a unique training model that bridges academic study and real-world China-Africa engagement.

Dec. 29

At the invitation of local entrepreneurs, Prof. Liu Hongwu, theDirector-General ofthe Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University delivered a keynote in Yiwu on Africa’s development potential and China–Africa cooperation. The event was co-hosted by Yiwu Federation of Industry and Commerce and related trade associations, serving as a platform to promote university–enterprise collaboration.