The Institute for African Studies of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies was established on November 22^nd, 2016, and was unveiled by former State Councilor Mr. Dai Bingguo. The institute consists of the following facilities: Research Center on Investment and Trade with Africa, Global Marketing and Research Center for Chinese Culture, "The Belt and Road" Business Talents Training Center and "The Belt and Road" Talents of Chinese Medicine Training Center.

The Institute for African Studies has conducted researches on economic, political, cultural and diplomatic issues in Africa, and has provided policy and investment advisory services to government departments and business enterprises. It has carried out close collaboration with China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Guangdong Committee, China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation and other industrial associations in Guangdong province. In recent years, the institute has hosted and participated in several sessions of the Guangzhou-African Forum, and published a series of relevant research reports.

The major functions of the institute include:

1. To carry out basic theoretical research about Africa as an entirety and about different African countries from various perspectives such as economy, politics, culture and diplomacy;

2. To cooperate with departments concerned within Chinese government, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Commerce and the Guangdong Provincial People's Government, and offer them research reports and policy advisory services on certain heated topics;

3. To provide services, ranging from policy advisory service to the planning of economic parks, for local governments on issues such as investment and economic cooperation with Africa (e.g. the establishment of economic cooperation projects and investment projects in Africa by Chinese local governments);

4. To provide advisory services on investment policies and investment planning for enterprises that have the intention to invest in Africa;

5. To host and participate in conferences and forums on African studies, African investment, African affairs, etc., to invite African professionals to give lectures in China, and to arrange with Chinese experts for lectures in Africa;

6. To cultivate professionals in economic management and diplomacy for African countries, and to train professional or technical personnel for African countries to meet their specific demands.