Zhejiang Normal University Opens China-Africa Media Research, Communication Centre

*Nigerian Journalist Appointed As Centre’s First African Director*

Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province, China – Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU) has opened the China-Africa Media Research and Communication Centre, marking another step forward in the Institute of African Studies’ (IASZNU) nearly two-decade commitment to promoting China-Africa cooperation.

The launch event, held on May 30 at the Institute in Jinhua City, featured the unveiling of the center’s plaque by ZJNU Vice President Prof. Zhang Jianzhen and Ikenna Emewu, a Nigerian journalist appointed as the center’s first African Director.

Prior to this addition, the Institute had ten specialised centres focussing on different aspects of Africa. This new centre represents a strategic expansion into the critical field of media and communication, with the goal of strengthening China-Africa relations on an intellectual level.

Prof. Wang Heng formally presented Emewu with his appointment certificate, entrusting him with the center’s leadership for a five-year term alongside Chinese Director Dr. Li Zhaoying, an experienced researcher with an African university background.

Prof. Liu Hongwu, Director General and Dean of IASZNU, urged Emewu to devote himself to building a solid foundation for the centre.

He urged Emewu and Dr. Li to use their media and research experience to establish a model centre for China, Africa, and the world.

Liu praised Emewu’s decade-long focus on China-Africa research and journalism, citing his published books, international conference presentations, and numerous research articles on the subject.

According to Prof. Liu, the center’s goal is to establish IASZNU as a global leader in intellectual discourse on China-Africa cooperation, as well as to influence policy agendas in both regions.

Emewu, who is also Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Africa China Economy Magazine, brings nearly 30 years of media experience from Nigeria and China to the position.

He has previously reported for People’s Daily and contributed to major Chinese media outlets including Xinhua, CGTN, China Daily, and others.

The Chinese Director, Dr Li, is an experienced academic who is currently conducting field research in South Africa.

Both Directors delivered inaugural speeches, with Emewu emphasising the role of media and public awareness in driving IASZNU’s objectives and sustainability, and Dr. Li emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts to create a centre that sets the right agenda for China-Africa diplomacy, people-to-people cooperation, and long-term commitment.

Ms. Yan Yuqing, the Chinese Consul General in Lagos, praised IASZNU for its potential to strengthen China-Africa relations in accordance with the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework, and congratulated Emewu on his new position.

Representatives from China Central Media, the Nigerian Study Centre, and various Chinese media platforms also made statements.

African Voices, including Nigerian economic intelligence journalist Mr. Nik Ogbulie, CGTN Africa Bureau Editor Mr. Douglas Okwatch, and Africa News 24 Managing Editor Mr. Silence Charumbira, praised IASZNU for its initiative.

The event was moderated by the Institute’s deputy directors, Mr. Yang Kai and Dr. Zhang Qiaowen.