The 15th China-Africa Think Tank Forum (FCATT) took place in Yiwu and Jinhua, in China's Zhejiang province, on November 6-7, 2026. The conference, themed "Opening up, cooperation, mutual learning and shared development: China and Africa together for modernization," marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and most African countries. This milestone event brought together academics and economic actors from China and Africa to discuss cooperation and knowledge sharing. The forum has become a significant platform for dialogue between Chinese and African scholars and institutions.
The FCATT was established in 2011 in Hangzhou, China, at the initiative of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University. In 2012, it became part of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Over the past 15 years, the forum has organized conferences in China and Africa, including Ethiopia, South Africa, and Tanzania. The event's location in Yiwu symbolizes the city's importance as a hub for economic and commercial exchanges between China and Africa. Yiwu is a major platform for trade, distribution, and exchanges, with thousands of Africans having settled or regularly visiting the city for business.
The conference focused on the theme of modernization, with China's experience being a particular area of interest. China has made significant progress in various development areas, including infrastructure, industrialization, education, healthcare, technology, poverty reduction, e-commerce, and renewable energy. African countries can draw valuable lessons from China's experience, and think tanks play a crucial role in analyzing and sharing knowledge. The forum emphasized the importance of mutual learning, with China expressing its willingness to share its experiences in strategic planning, infrastructure development, industry, poverty reduction, and technological innovation.
The conference also examined the implementation of China's zero-tariff initiative for African countries. This move aims to facilitate African products' access to the Chinese market, strengthen exchanges, and create new opportunities for African exporters. Two key documents were released during the conference: the "Think Tank Action Declaration on Joint Implementation of Modernization of the Global South by China and Africa" and the "China-Africa Consensus on Mutual Learning between Civilizations." These documents highlight the role of think tanks in supporting development policies and promoting cultural exchange and understanding.
The conference's geopolitical significance lies in its discussion of global governance. The event promoted four major initiatives: the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative. The agreements signed between the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University and academic institutions in South Africa and Gabon demonstrate the commitment to transforming China-Africa think tank encounters into sustainable institutional relationships.
The 15th China-Africa Think Tank Forum has made significant progress in promoting cooperation and knowledge sharing between China and Africa. The event has provided a platform for academics and economic actors to discuss modernization, governance, and cultural exchange. As Prof. Yoro Diallo, a senior researcher and director of the Francophone Studies Center, noted, the forum has become an essential platform for dialogue and cooperation between China and Africa.
The outcomes of the conference are expected to contribute to the growth of China-Africa relations and promote a more equitable global governance system. The forum's emphasis on mutual learning, cooperation, and knowledge sharing will likely have a lasting impact on the development of China-Africa relations. As the world continues to evolve, the China-Africa Think Tank Forum will remain a vital platform for promoting understanding and cooperation between the two regions.
Key points
- The 15th China-Africa Think Tank Forum focused on modernization and cooperation between China and Africa, with a emphasis on mutual learning and knowledge sharing.
