Recently, the China Association of Higher Education announced the list of Chinese member universities for the “China-Africa 100 Universities Cooperation Plan” and the “China-Africa University Alliance” exchange mechanism. Yunnan University of Finance and Economics (YUFE) has been selected as a Chinese member university for the “China-Africa University Alliance” exchange mechanism. This selection is significant for promoting inter-university friendly cooperation between YUFE and African universities, and for serving the national diplomatic strategy.

The “China-Africa 100 Universities Cooperation Plan” aims to establish a platform for inter-university exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa, promoting the joint development of higher education. Initiated by the Ministry of Education and implemented by the China Association of Higher Education in collaboration with the Association of African Universities, the plan involves building the “China-Africa University Alliance” exchange mechanism. Under this framework, participating institutions will implement cooperation plans focusing on ten areas: digital education, health, agricultural development, trade and investment, mining resources, connectivity, environment and sustainable development, language and cultural exchange, national and social governance, and media communication and national image. These institutions will engage in collaborative research, student exchanges, faculty visits, and talent cultivation, addressing major theoretical and practical issues in China-Africa cooperation across various fields.

In recent years, YUFE has actively explored an international talent cultivation model with Yunnan characteristics, aimed at enhancing its capacity for international education. The university focuses on building a hub for South and Southeast Asia while engaging globally, particularly fostering friendly exchanges and cooperation with developing countries. In the Indian Ocean region, YUFE has enrolled and trained students from 16 countries, laying a solid foundation for friendly exchanges and cooperation with Africa. Being selected as a Chinese member university for the “China-Africa University Alliance” exchange mechanism reflects the Ministry of Education’s recognition of YUFE’s achievements in China-Africa cooperation and exchanges over the years. Moving forward, YUFE will continue to leverage the International Business Officials Training (Yunnan) Base entrusted by the Ministry of Commerce, fulfilling various foreign aid tasks at national and provincial levels. The university will further promote inter-university friendly exchanges and cooperation with African universities, deepen cooperation in higher education between China and Africa, and contribute to the high-quality cultivation of international students, including those from the Indian Ocean region.