In a remarkable testament to the growing collaboration between Africa and China, the Pan African University (PAU) Rectorate in Yaoundé, Cameroon, recently hosted H.E. Mr. Hu Changchun, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the African Union. The visit on November 26, 2024, marked a pivotal moment in China-Africa educational cooperation, coinciding with the African Union’s celebration of 2024 as the Year of Education.

During the visit, Ambassador Hu presented a certificate of award worth 18,000 dollars to PAU, signaling China's continued commitment to supporting higher education in Africa. The Ambassador was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Guo Jun, Senior Colonel Guo Baojian, Defense Attaché of China to the AU, and Ms. Lui Xinyi.

The delegation was received by Professor Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale, Vice Rector of PAU; Professor Wilfred N. Gabsa, Secretary General of Cameroon’s Ministry of Higher Education; Dr. Gilles Ogandaga Ndiaye, Senior Academic and Students Affairs Officer; and Mr. Harlson Cho, PAU Administrative Assistant.

PAU currently comprises five institutes: four fully operational ones - the Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI) in Kenya, the Institute for Life and Earth Sciences (PAULESI) in Nigeria, the Institute for Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences (PAUGHSS) in Cameroon, and the Institute for Water and Energy Sciences (PAUWES) in Algeria - while the Pan African University Institute for Space Sciences in South Africa is still in development. During the visit, China expressed its firm commitment to support the establishment of a PAU Institute of Engineering, demonstrating China's dedication to advancing technological education in Africa.

This commitment builds upon the momentum generated during the September 2023 mission to China by H.E. Prof. Mohammed Belhocine, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI). During this mission, extensive discussions were held on strengthening educational cooperation between China and Africa, including scholarships for PAU students, exchange programs, and support for Chinese language education within PAU institutes. A Memorandum of Understanding between China and the AU, currently in its final stages, is expected to be signed in the coming year.

The establishment of the Engineering Institute aligns with the ongoing efforts to enhance science, technology, and innovation capabilities across the continent, as outlined in the AU's Agenda 2063. This development is particularly timely as the African Union commemorates 2024 as the Year of Education, focusing on building equitable and inclusive education systems across the continent.

The implementation of these initiatives in 2025 is expected to significantly benefit African youth, contributing to the continent's technological advancement and human resource development goals as outlined in Agenda 2063. This collaboration exemplifies the kind of international partnerships that the African Union seeks to foster in pursuit of its educational and development objectives.