IPCR Promotes Africa-China Scholarly Exchange at UTG Seminar

Written by: Michaella Faith Wright

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), an agency under Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Monday, May 12th, 2026, held its Advancing Knowledge Exchange Seminar Series Across Africa at the University of The Gambia under the theme “Bridging Africa-China Dialogue Through Scholarly Exchange.”

The seminar brought together diplomats, academics, journalists, policymakers, and students to discuss the importance of strengthening intellectual cooperation and mutual understanding between Africa and China through research, dialogue, and scholarly exchange.

Delivering the welcome remarks, Director General of the Institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, described the gathering as a platform aimed at bridging knowledge gaps between Africa and China while promoting informed engagement on international relations.

“You may have wondered why three flags are flying in front of me this morning. We are gathered here today as part of our partnership with Contemporary World China,” Dr. Ochogwu said.

He explained that the Institute signed an agreement with Contemporary World China after identifying what he described as a significant knowledge gap between Africa and China, particularly between Nigeria and China. According to him, the partnership led to the publication of Contemporary World Nigeria, a magazine designed to promote objective and scholarly discussions on China-Africa relations.

“It is about promoting informed knowledge and thoughtful perspectives on China-Nigeria, China-Africa, and China-Gambia relations,” he added. “The aim is to strengthen the relationship between The Gambia and China.”

Coordinator of the Editorial Team, Dr. Okalekan Babatunde, said the seminar forms part of a broader continental initiative to promote the dissemination of Contemporary World Magazine across Africa. He noted that the series began in Nigeria in 2025 with seminars in Abuja and Lagos before expanding to Ghana, which hosted the first seminar outside Nigeria.

“Today, The Gambia proudly hosts this important conversation, and we hope to continue the series in Tanzania later this year,” he said.

Dr. Babatunde emphasised that since its establishment in 2024, Contemporary World Magazine has focused on promoting balanced academic and policy discussions on Africa-China relations through research, publications, and public engagement initiatives across the continent.