China-Africa Joint Research Centre for Exchanges and Mutual Learning between Civilizations will be officially launched at the Zimbabwean capital, Harare. The centre is designed to unite scholars from China and Africa to share ideas, approaches, and insights.
The center was established in partnership between the Renmin University of China and the University of Zimbabwe as a result of the first China-Africa Civilization Forum, held at the Zimbabwean university. It is supposed to promote intellectual exchange, create novel research output, and lay a catalyst for developing cultural diplomacy between China and Africa.
The Vice Chancellor, University of Zimbabwe, Mr. Paul Mapfumo noted that this cooperation has improved the development of human capital in higher education: investments are made in educational infrastructure, scholarships, exchange programs, technology transfer, and research partnerships to achieve this end.
"Today's launch enables us to deepen our partnership with Renmin University of China to start joint research projects and exchange programs that focus on innovation and industrialization," Mapfumo said. He added that the university has been committed to heritage-based education - boasting the target of drawing innovation and supporting entrepreneurial initiatives.
Mapfumo noted that the skills development and vocational training provided by China, in combination with their entrepreneurship support platform, are very pragmatic towards the industrialization approach. He noted that experts from China, with institutions, have strongly been involved in training professionals of all disciplines working in Africa.
He was also optimistic of the new research center encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset, student-led initiatives, and innovative responses to societal challenges.
Professor Zhang Donggang, chairman of the University Council of Renmin University of China, said culture is a lifeline that connects the Chinese and African peoples. "The shared aspiration for modernization has become a common goal for both China and Africa", he said.
He also added that setting up the research center is among the important strategies to boost educational exchanges and scientific cooperation between the two continents.
Zimbabwe state-controlled Herald newspaper quotes Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, as saying: "Both countries have very long histories and have high regard for education, which we consider an essential factor in modernization. We also believe we can learn from our traditions as we face the challenges of today".
