Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU) in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, began efforts to study African affairs in the 1990s when it established a Chinese teaching center in Cameroon.

In 2007, ZJNU launched an institute of African studies where a professional system for talent cultivation has been formed after 10 years of development, covering graduate students, overseas students and part-time trainees. Today, the institute is regarded as an important Chinese think tank for African affairs and China-Africa ties.

To further increase its efforts in African studies, the university has set up 10-plus coordination centers and engaged nearly 300 teachers for further research.

A symposium on the construction of institutes of African studies is held at Zhejiang Normal University in Jinhua on Nov 14-15. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]