Yunnan University has a long history in African Studies. In 1950s, with the contribution of a famous scholar in Arab Studies professor Na Zhong, Yunnan University launched the research and teaching program in the field of North Africa and West Asia. In 1980s, Professor Zhao Ruifang and Professor Wu Jide participated in the preparation and writing work of three-volume “General History of Africa”.

In 1991, Professor Liu Hongwu started to establish the discipline of African Studies in Yunnan University after studying in Nigeria. From then on, African Studies became one of the characteristics of the two disciplines in Yunnan University–World History and International Relations. Furthermore, he began to recruit postgraduates specializing in African research since 1990s. In 1998, a non-entity of the Center for Asian and African Studies was set up. For further development, Yunnan University established the “Center of African Studies” in 2007. Professor Liu Hongwu was the Director and Professor Xiao Xian was the Chairman of its Academic Committee.

The Center of African Studies is under the School of International Relations in Yunnan University. Currently, six full-time researchers and ten part-time researchers are working for the center. Since its establishment, it has made a remarkable progress in research and personnel training. A number of research papers and books have been published, and about ten research projects of state level are undertaking and have achieved substantial results. Furthermore, it is one of the few important organizations for cultivating the talents of African Studies in China. So far, there are almost 50 postgraduates who obtained Doctoral or Master’s Degree, and many of whom have become the influential researchers in this field of study.

After decades of accumulation and development, the Center of African Studies at Yunnan University has gradually formed its main direction. Firstly, it persists in basic research especially focusing on country and subject history research of sub-Saharan Africa. Secondly, it devotes itself to personnel training, strengthening degree program construction to cultivate high-quality talents in African Studies. Thirdly, combining with the practice of contemporary Sino-African relations, it carries out the research of African resources, Science &Technology Cooperation and Agricultural Cooperation between China and Africa. Lastly, it attaches importance to public service, acting as an advisory body to government and enterprises concerning African affairs to promote the mutual understanding and friendship between China and Africa.