The University of Tunis and Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in education and research. The agreement was reached during a visit by a University of Tunis delegation to China, where they participated in the China-Africa Consortium of Universities Exchange Mechanism – Annual Conference 2026. The conference, held on September 20-21, 2026, at BFSU, brought together nearly 200 representatives from over 70 Chinese and African universities.
The MoU is expected to open up new opportunities for student, teacher, and researcher mobility, as well as academic exchanges, training, and joint scientific research. According to a statement released by the University of Tunis, the agreement marks a significant step in strengthening ties between the two institutions. The University of Tunis delegation was led by Professor Rached Gharbi, Vice-President of the university, who presented the university's academic offerings, research activities, and cooperation opportunities with Chinese institutions.
The signing ceremony was attended by BFSU officials and Professor Olusola Oyewole, Secretary General of the Association of African Universities (AUA). The University of Tunis stated that this new cooperation confirms its commitment to developing sustainable and structured academic and scientific partnerships, while strengthening ties between Tunisia, China, and the African continent.
The China-Africa Consortium of Universities Exchange Mechanism – Annual Conference 2026 provided a platform for Chinese and African universities to explore new prospects for cooperation in higher education. The conference aimed to promote collaboration and exchange between institutions from the two regions. The University of Tunis's participation in the conference reflects its efforts to establish itself as a key player in international academic cooperation.
The MoU between the University of Tunis and BFSU is a significant development in Tunisia-China academic relations. The agreement is expected to facilitate the exchange of students, teachers, and researchers between the two institutions, promoting cultural understanding and academic collaboration. The University of Tunis has been actively seeking partnerships with international institutions to enhance its academic offerings and research capabilities.
Professor Rached Gharbi's presentation at the conference highlighted the University of Tunis's strengths in research and academic programs. The university's participation in the conference and the signing of the MoU with BFSU demonstrate its commitment to internationalization and cooperation. The Association of African Universities (AUA) played a key role in facilitating the cooperation between African and Chinese universities.
The University of Tunis's cooperation with BFSU and other international institutions is expected to contribute to the development of Tunisia's higher education sector. The MoU with BFSU is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and the university is likely to benefit from the exchange of ideas, expertise, and best practices with its Chinese partner. The cooperation will also promote people-to-people diplomacy between Tunisia and China.
Key points
- The University of Tunis and BFSU signed a MoU to enhance cooperation in education and research.
- The agreement was reached during a visit by a University of Tunis delegation to China for the China-Africa Consortium of Universities Exchange Mechanism – Annual Conference 2026.
- The MoU is expected to facilitate student, teacher, and researcher mobility, as well as academic exchanges, training, and joint scientific research.
