On October 26-28th, "Belt & Road" African Studies Alliance & The First Session of Academic Seminar was held in Guangzhou. It was hosted by Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, organized by Institute for African Studies, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and Africa Guangdong Business Association, co-organized by Information Office, the Municipal Government of Guangzhou and Guangdong Chamber of Commerce of Importers and Exporters. In response to the implementation of eight initiatives and the establishment of a community of a common destiny proposed in 2018 Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the forum chose "Belt & Road Initiative: New Era for China-Africa Cooperation" as its topic. The forum had drawn great attention from Chinese media and been reported by many well-known press, such as People's network, Xinhua net, Guangdong News, Information News, Nanfang Metropolis Daily, CRI Online, etc.

The report from People's network, cites speeches delivered by Yu Hongjun, chief expert of The Charhar Institute, and Alima Danfakha Gakou, Head of the consular corps of Consulate-General of African countries in Guangzhou, "The establishment of 'Belt & Road' African Studies Alliance would provide a platform where academic resources and achievements are shared; and mutual understandings are enhanced".

Information News points out that the forum will promote the implementation of eight initiatives and China-Africa cultural exchanges.

Nanfang Metropolis Daily had an interview with Prof. Liu Jisen, Executive President of IAS, GDUFS. Prof. Liu stated that platforms for information sharing, achievements presenting and international cooperation in programs would be established. He also mentioned the idea of "African class" which aimed to cultivate intercultural talents.

Guangdong News makes a brief introduction of Institute for African Studies and thinks highly of its achievements.

CRI Online highlights, "Overseas Alliance members accounts for more than 50%, among which there are 16 institutions from Africa and 2 from Europe".

Reports about the forum had been reprinted by many official media such as Phoenix New Media, SOHU, etc.

Attending the forum were think tank experts, well-known scholars, government officials and enterprise representatives from 34 countries and regions. They showed great willingness to strengthen the cooperation with Alliance members and make contributions to the establishment of China-Africa community of a common destiny.

人民网报道 《“一带一路”非洲研究联盟在广州成立》

http://gd.people.com.cn/n2/2018/1027/c123932-32209877.html

信息时报报道 《“一带一路”非洲研究联盟成立》

http://epaper.xxsb.com/html/content/2018-10/28/content_783713.htm

南方网报道 《“一带一路”非洲研究联盟在广州成立！从这里开始更了解非洲》

http://news.southcn.com/gd/content/2018-10/27/content_183832082.htm

中央广电总台国际在线报道 《“一带一路”非洲研究联盟在广州成立》

http://news.cri.cn/20181029/92a5ac63-9dac-9d0b-8bf8-4832821ae7c3.html

南方都市报报道 《“一带一路”非洲研究联盟在穗成立》

http://epaper.oeeee.com/epaper/A/html/2018-10/28/content_55369.htm#article