From September 15 to 21, a five-member HNU delegation headed by Vice President Nie Qingbin were in Tanzania and Zambia to advance cooperation. They visited local universities and research institutions, including the State University of Zanzibar, the University of Dar es Salaam, the Copperbelt University, the University of Zambia, and the China-aided Zambia Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center. Besides, they conducted on-site research in Tanzania’s government departments and enterprises relating to tropical agriculture and met with representatives of the Chinese communities in both countries.

On the morning of September 15, the delegation visited the Chinese Consulate General in Zanzibar and held talks with Acting Consul General Zhang Ming on the collaboration between HNU and Zanzibar’s universities and research institutions in the agricultural sector, particularly high-yield tropical agriculture and marine economy. The delegation also sought proposals on the plans for the 2025 Annual Conference of the League of Tropical Universities (LTU).

HNU delegation visiting the Chinese Consulate General in Zanzibar

Later that afternoon, the delegation met with Mr. Ali Khamis Juma, Principal Secretary of Zanzibar’s Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock and discussed the development of LTU, joint construction of agricultural research centers, and support and training programs for tropical agricultural technology.

HNU delegation visiting the Zanzibar Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock

On the morning of September 16, the delegation held talks with President Moh’d Makame Haji at the State University of Zanzibar. They reached consensus on renewing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing joint education programs and research projects, and enhancing faculty and student exchange. Officials from Zanzibar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also attended the meeting.

HNU delegation visiting the State University of Zanzibar

In the afternoon, the delegation met with Feng Zhenyu, Vice President of the Chinese Business Chamber of Tanzania in Dar es Salaam. They discussed the development of Hainan Free Trade Port and the achievements of HNU in personnel training, social services, and international exchanges and cooperation. Two sides explored the possibilities of collaboration, including the raising of educational fund and the role of the Chamber as a bridge for cooperation.

On the morning of September 17, the delegation visited Longping Agriscience Tanzania Limited, where they learned about the company’s endeavors in expanding agricultural demonstration parks, promoting seed technology, and developing seed industry in Africa. Discussions also covered the possibilities of full-chain cooperation, including providing internship opportunities for HNU students in Africa and HNU-hosted continuing education and short-term training programs for company employees.

In the afternoon, the delegation arrived at the University of Dar es Salaam to promote HNU and explore the possibilities of collaboration in key disciplines, joint education programs and short-term training programs for faculty and students. Following the meeting, they visited the university’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Food Technology (CoAF) and Confucius Institute.

HNU delegation visiting the University of Dar es Salaam

The delegation visiting CoAF of the University of Dar es Salaam

On the afternoon of September 18, the delegation met with President Imasiku Anayawa Nyambe at the Copperbelt University in Zambia, where they discussed joint education programs, agricultural sci-tech cooperation, commercialization of sci-tech achievements, and regular faculty and student exchange. He noted that Copperbelt University is ready to join the LTU and sign an MOU with Hainan University once the necessary legal procedures are completed.

HNU delegation visiting the Copperbelt University

On the morning of September 19, the delegation met with Prof. Trywell Kalusopa, Vice President of the University of Zambia, and discussed the exchange visits of faculty and researchers, research cooperation projects in agriculture, joint education programs and the procedures of becoming a LTU member. Two sides reached consensus in many fields and signed an MOU and a student exchange agreement.

HNU delegation signing MOU with the University of Zambia

On that afternoon, the delegation met with Minister Counsellor Wang Sheng at the Chinese Embassy in Zambia. They exchanged views on HNU’s cooperation with Zambian universities and research institutions as well as local Chinese enterprises regarding the joint development of high-yield tropical crops, university-industry collaboration and renewable energy development and utilization.

HNU delegation visiting the Chinese Embassy in Zambia

On September 20, the delegation visited the China-aided Zambia Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center and held talks with its director Huang Xiaodong. They explored cooperation in agricultural technology and machinery promotion, tropical crop cultivation, training programs at the demonstration base, and commercialization of sci-tech achievements.

This visit has yielded remarkable results, strengthening the foundation for science and educational collaboration between HNU and universities and research institutions in Tanzania and Zambia. Besides, it caters to the development needs of both Hainan Free Trade Port and China’s modernization drive, promoting research partnerships and personnel training.

The delegation included representatives from HNU’s Office of CPC Committee and Administration, Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, and Nanfan School.

Source from Office of International Cooperation and Exchange

Translated by Han Yunsheng

Proofread by Kuang Xiaowen, Yang Jie