DAR ES SALAAM: IN AUGUST 2024, Dr Xu Mo and Dr Wang Ting, senior lecturers from Beijing Foreign Studies University and Deputy Secretary-General in China for the China-Africa Consortium of Universities Exchange Mechanism, embarked on a journey to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where they collaborated with the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam, William Anangisye, to forge a new chapter of cross-border academic exchange and friendship.

An unexpected encounter:

The seeds of friendship

In the scorching heat of June, Beijing welcomed Vice-Chancellor William Anangisye, whose visit to Beijing Foreign Studies University brought not only a taste of Africa, but also fresh opportunities for academic collaboration.

During a chance encounter, a simple Swahili greeting, “Jambo, Habari ya mchana,” transcended linguistic barriers and sparked a connection with the Vice-Chancellor.

Our conversation, ignited by a shared passion for comparative education, quickly warmed into a lively exchange, reminiscent of a reunion between old friends, highlighting the boundless potential of academic dialogue.

Upon learning of our planned attendance at the World Congress of African Linguistics in Kenya in August, the Vice-Chancellor extended an invitation to visit Tanzania.

Without hesitation, we adjusted our itinerary and promptly submitted our application for a visit.

On the eve of our departure, the arrival of the official approval, like a key to a new world, filled us with anticipation.

Thus, we embarked on our journey to Dar es Salaam, eager to delve into academic exploration and cultural exchange.

The warmth of Dar es Salaam:

The charm of the Campus 

With boundless curiosity about Africa and a fervent passion for China-Africa educational cooperation, we arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Everything here – the language, the culture, the people – was a novel experience for us. With the assistance of Ms Li Huifang, the author of Tanzania Cultural and Educational Research from the “Belt and Road Cultural and Educational Series” and Mr Benard Semen, the Manager of A & C Tanzania Company, we engaged in enriching discussions with Vice-Chancellor William Anangisye and students from the University of Dar es Salaam.

Ms Li’s fluency in Swahili and profound understanding of local culture added a valuable multi-dimensional perspective and academic depth to our interactions.

Strolling through the University of Dar es Salaam, we were impressed by the beautiful, well-maintained campus and the vibrant energy of the students.

Under the library portico, a book-shaped sculpture inscribed with the words “Reading Furnishes the Mind” stood as a powerful symbol of the pursuit of knowledge and the profound value of education.

We shared stories of China-Africa educational cooperation and exchange with the students, listened to their experiences studying at the University of Dar es Salaam and gained insights into Tanzania’s development through a different lens thanks to Ms Li’s financial consulting firm (A&C Africa and China Consulting Company).

We spent a productive and enjoyable morning filled with laughter and insightful discussions.

Sincere dialogue, pragmatic cooperation

We were thrilled to meet with Vice-Chancellor William Anangisye once again.

Over Tanzanian coffee, we were struck by the Vice-Chancellor’s sincerity and enthusiasm. Building upon the existing Memorandum of Understanding, we delved into detailed discussions regarding future collaboration between the University of Dar es Salaam and Beijing Foreign Studies University.

Our discussions encompassed student and faculty exchanges, the development of joint training programs, research collaboration and the organisation of academic conferences, each reflecting our shared commitment to pragmatic cooperation.

As we bid farewell, we expressed our sincere gratitude to Vice-Chancellor William Anangisye once again with the Swahili phrase “Ninafrahi sana. Asante Sana.”

This visit was not only a deepening of academic exchange but also a heartfelt connection between individuals. We were deeply touched by the genuine friendship and shared passion for education between Chinese and Tanzanian students and scholars.

With the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, we eagerly anticipate Vice-Chancellor William Anangisye’s return to China, as we continue to write a new chapter in the friendship between China and Tanzania.

The writers are from Beijing Foreign Studies University