To deepen China-Africa collaboration in education and technology and implement the Open BUCT strategy, with a focus on the co-construction of joint laboratories under the Belt and Road Initiative, Tan Tianwei, President of BUCT and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, led a delegation to Tanzania, Mauritius, and Zambia from March 23rd to April 1st, 2025. During the visit, the delegation conducted in-depth exchanges with three universities, three research institutions and industrial associations, as well as two governmental energy authorities across the three countries. The discussions were centered on talent cultivation and scientific research cooperation, and culminated in the signing of four cooperation agreements.
BUCT Delegation Visiting the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania.
On March 24th, the delegation arrived in Tanzania and visited the Chinese Embassy to introduce the progress of BUCT's cooperation with Tanzanian universities. The Embassy highly commended BUCT for its positive role in advancing educational and technological cooperation in Africa, and expressed full support for future bilateral cooperation. Chargé d'Affaires ad interim Wang Yong and Cultural Counsellor Che Zhaoguang of the Embassy met with the delegation.
BUCT Delegation Visiting the University of Dar es Salaam
BUCT Delegation Visiting Tanzania Renewable Energy Association
On the morning of March 25th, the delegation visited the University of Dar es Salaam and were received by Vice-Chancellor Boniface Nelson and other representatives. The two sides had in-depth discussions about joint student training, teacher exchanges, and joint research. In the afternoon, the delegation proceeded to the Tanzania Renewable Energy Association, where they were hosted by Chairman Prosper Magali and Secretary-General Matthew Josephat Matimbwi. The two sides held an inauguration ceremony for the China-Tanzania Joint Research Center for Renewable Energy, with Chairman Prosper Magali and President Tan Tianwei jointly unveiling the plaque for the Center. Following the ceremony, the two parties engaged in discussions on opportunities and models for industry-academia-research collaboration in the renewable energy sector. They deliberated on the organizational structure of the Center, including the establishment of its Academic Committee and Management Board, and finalized a concrete work plan to advance substantive cooperation in the next phase.
BUCT Delegation Visiting Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency
BUCT Delegation Visiting the University of Mauritius
On March 27th, the delegation arrived in Mauritius. In the morning, they visited the Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency and were received by Director Khalil Elahee and other representatives. The two sides updated each other on the r the status quo and demand of renewable energy development of China and Mauritius, and engaged in discussions on Mauritius’ resource endowments, energy mix, and future energy transition plans. They also had in-depth deliberations on establishing a China-Mauritius Renewable Energy Cooperation Network, co-organizing international conferences, and implementing new energy industry projects. In the afternoon, the delegation proceeded to the University of Mauritius, where they were received by Vice-Chancellor Sanjeev K Sobhee and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dinesh Surroop. The two sides explored cooperation opportunities in double-degree programs, summer camp exchanges, joint research projects, and the establishment of a China-Mauritius Joint Laboratory for Renewable Energy. A Memorandum of Intent on Inter-University Cooperation was signed to formalize the partnership.
BUCT Delegation Visiting the Chinese Embassy in Mauritius
On March 28th, the delegation visited the Chinese Embassy in Mauritius to present BUCT’s strategic plans for industry-academia-research collaboration in Africa. The Embassy expressed willingness to actively facilitate platforms for deepened cooperation between BUCT and the local institutions and enterprises in areas such as technology incubation and talent exchange. Chargé d'Affaires ad interim Ding Peiyi and Su Xueming, Head of the Cultural Section, met with the delegation.
On March 29th, the delegation held a seminar with Chinese students and scholars in Mauritius, and discussed opportunities for joint research cooperation and talent recruitment initiatives.
BUCT Delegation Visiting the University of Zambia
BUCT Delegation Visiting the Chinese Embassy in Zambia
On March 31st, the delegation arrived in Zambia. In the morning, they visited the University of Zambia, where they were received by Vice-Chancellor Mundia Muya and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Trywell Kalusopa. The two sides signed an inter-university framework cooperation agreement and held discussions on joint student training, collaborative research projects, industry project implementation, and the co-establishment of a Belt and Road Initiative Joint Laboratory. During the visit, the delegation toured the university’s renewable energy laboratories, including facilities dedicated to cassava-to-liquid fuel conversion, solar-thermal utilization, and hydropower generation. In the afternoon, the delegation paid a visit to the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, presenting updates on BUCT’s collaborative development with Zambian institutions and future cooperation models. The Embassy underscored its commitment to enhance policy alignment and facilitate deeper cooperation between BUCT and local academic and research institutions in energy and environmental protection sectors. Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Wang Sheng of the Embassy met with the delegation.
BUCT Delegation Visiting the Ministry of Energy of Zambia
BUCT Delegation Visiting the Zambia Renewable Energy Association
On the morning of April 1st, the delegation visited the Ministry of Energy of Zambia and was received by Mufaya Ziba, Director of the Energy Department. President Tan Tianwei outlined BUCT’s technological strengths and the feasibility of bioenergy industrialization projects. Mufayo Ziba expressed strong support for China-Zambia collaboration in the new energy sector, saying that they would actively introduce BUCT’s innovations to advance Zambia’s energy transition and industrial upgrading. In the afternoon, the delegation proceeded to the Zambia Renewable Energy Association, where they were hosted by Chairman Joseph Mutale, Vice-Chairman Michael Tarney, and Executive Director Chills Karma Bowa. The two sides engaged in discussions on knowledge sharing and technology transfer, exchange programs and capacity-building, and the establishment of a China-Africa Renewable Energy Cooperation Network. They reached consensus on future collaboration priorities and signed a Letter of Intent for Strategic Cooperation.
Members of the delegation include Sun Zhongbo, Director of BUCT’s President Office, Wang Zhongming, Director of the Human Resources Department, Li Bin, Vice Dean of the College of Economics and Management, Liu Guangqing, Executive Dean of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Global Cooperation Research Institute as well as representatives from African subsidiaries of Chinese enterprises, including PetroChina, China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group (CECEP), and PowerChina.