The year 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between China and African countries, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Amid a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, artificial intelligence is bringing fresh momentum to the longstanding friendship between China and Africa.
On the afternoon of October 23, Fudan University hosted a visit under the AI Case Innovation Competition and Study Visit for African Youth, one of the key activities of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. The activity was organized with the participation of the Secretariat of the Chinese Follow-up Committee of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute of the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT). The 25 award winners, representing 25 African countries including Kenya, Mauritius, Cameroon, Angola, Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria and Rwanda, visited the Center for Global AI Innovative Governance (CGAIG).
Through a training session, industry presentations and discussions, the event addressed global AI governance, technological innovation and industrial applications, academic research and talent development. It aimed to facilitate exchanges between young Chinese and African innovators, Chinese universities and businesses, and to create opportunities to explore inclusive AI applications and deepen cooperation on capacity building.
The delegation of young African innovators visits Fudan University
Ding Jie, Deputy Director of the International Students Office at Fudan University, opened the event with welcoming remarks. She warmly welcomed the African delegates and outlined Fudan's educational programs for international students. The university currently hosts students from more than 70 countries and regions, including several African countries, and its African student population has grown in recent years. She expressed the hope that the visit would help the delegates learn more about Fudan and share their experiences of studying, researching and applying AI with its faculty and students, strengthening exchanges and mutual understanding.
Ding Jie, Deputy Director of the International Students Office at Fudan University, delivers welcoming remarks
Xin Yanyan, Deputy Secretary-General of CGAIG and Assistant Professor at Fudan Development Institute, delivered a training session entitled “Global AI Governance: China's Vision and Practices.” She outlined China's vision for AI governance, based on a people-centered approach and the principle of AI for good. She also reviewed progress in developing AI governance mechanisms within the United Nations framework and in building the Global AI Capacity Development Network. Addressing the practical needs of Global South countries for access to technology, capacity building and the adaptation of AI applications to local contexts, she explored how international cooperation can promote the sharing of AI technologies, strengthen AI capacities and advance inclusive development.
Xin Yanyan, Deputy Secretary-General of CGAIG, leads a training session on AI governance
The industry session featured presentations by Zhao Yunfeng, Vice President of Alibaba Cloud International and General Manager for Africa; Xu Weiguo, Solutions Architect for Africa at Alibaba Cloud; and Jiang Xinyi, AI Model-as-a-Service (MaaS) Solutions Architect at Alibaba Cloud International.
Drawing on Alibaba Cloud's business experience in African markets, Zhao Yunfeng discussed advances in AI technology and its industrial applications. He outlined opportunities for AI development and adoption in Africa, helping participants explore how AI could address the needs of local industries.
Zhao Yunfeng, Vice President of Alibaba Cloud International and General Manager for Africa, gives a presentation
Focusing on technical solutions and practical applications, Xu Weiguo discussed approaches to using AI in different business settings. He explained how technologies can be adapted to practical needs and deployed in real-world applications, helping participants understand the transition from technical capabilities to practical use.
Xu Weiguo, Solutions Architect for Africa at Alibaba Cloud, gives a presentation
Jiang Xinyi introduced Model-as-a-Service (MaaS) and related AI solutions. Her presentation helped participants understand the relationship between services built around large AI models and AI application development, as well as the role of these technologies in exploring new applications.
Jiang Xinyi, AI MaaS Solutions Architect at Alibaba Cloud International, gives a presentation
The three presentations illustrated different ways to connect AI technologies with practical needs, covering industrial development, technology applications and model services. The speakers then discussed technical requirements, deployment challenges and adaptation to local contexts with the young African participants.
Yang Chongsheng, Deputy Dean of the Shanghai Institute for Global South Studies, Research Professor at the Fudan Development Institute and Deputy Director of Fudan University's Global South Field Research Laboratory, introduced the institute's founding context, mission and approach to talent development. He explained that the institute focuses on Global South research and education, with an emphasis on area studies, interdisciplinary cooperation and long-term field research. By combining language proficiency, regional knowledge and fieldwork, it seeks to develop professionals with regional expertise, interdisciplinary research skills and an international outlook.
Yang Chongsheng, Deputy Dean of the Shanghai Institute for Global South Studies, introduces the institute and its approach to talent development
During the discussion, the young African participants drew on their own experience to engage with the speakers on AI applications, data security, digital infrastructure and talent development.
In response to questions about data privacy protection, limited computing resources and the adaptation of AI applications to local contexts, the Alibaba Cloud speakers outlined relevant data management measures, the use of open-source models and support through cloud resources. On academic cooperation and talent development, Yang Chongsheng addressed questions about postgraduate education, long-term field research and institutional cooperation. He noted that further discussions could be pursued through formal channels to explore opportunities for collaboration. Speakers also explained how to participate in Fudan University's international talent exchange and professional training programs.
The lively discussion reflected the practical needs of AI development in African countries. The participants' questions demonstrated young Africans' strong interest in technological innovation and international cooperation.
Participants ask questions and exchange views
Through training, industry presentations and discussion, the event deepened the young African participants' understanding of China's AI governance practices, industrial development and academic research. It encouraged Chinese and African youth to share their experiences in AI and provided a platform for further capacity building and practical cooperation.
The African delegation and speakers pose for a group photograph
