The First Tsinghua–Peking Universities African Studies Forum, co-hosted by the Institute for International and Area Studies of Tsinghua University (IIAS) and the Centre for African Studies of Peking University (PKUCAS), was held from June 12 to 16, 2024 at the Institute for International and Area Studies of Tsinghua University. It is a positive attempt to interact and exchange views between Chinese African Studies and foreign African Studies. The main forum venue was in Beijing and the four sub-forums were held in Mauritius, Rwanda and South Asia. More than 60 scholars from eight countries carried out in-depth exchanges and discussions on Africa's diverse development paths and the African migration issues in South Asia.
Main Forum in Beijing
From June 15 to 16, the First Tsinghua–Peking Universities African Studies Beijing Main Forum was successfully held at the Tsinghua University Institute for International and Area Studies. At the opening ceremony, Li Anshan, Emeritus Professor of Peking University and Honorary President of the Chinese Society of African Historical Studies, delivered a keynote speech entitled "Archaeology of Human Origins in Africa: Discovery and Debate", and Mu Tao, Professor of East China Normal University, President of the Chinese Society of African Historical Studies, delivered a keynote speech entitled "Africa's Modernization Processes and Scholars' Research Paths". After that, a total of 28 scholars conducted research presentations and seminars on four themes: " African Development: Historical Paths and Experiences", " African Industrialization and China-Africa Cooperation", " African Health Care in Transition to Autonomy", " Political-Economic Transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Navigating the New Era". Nearly 40 experts and scholars from Tsinghua University, Peking University, Beijing Normal University, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, East China Normal University, Sun Yat-sen University, Harvard University, Wageningen University, University of Rwanda and many other scholars from domestic and foreign universities and research institutes took part in the forum discussions. The panelists and the audience discussed and exchanged views on various topics from different disciplines and perspectives, such as political science, economics, law, sociology, history, anthropology, global health, foreign languages and literature.
Main Forum Panel 1: African Development: Historical Paths and Experiences
The first panel was held on the morning of June 15, and was moderated by Dr. Feng Lida from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, with Associate Professor Xu Liang from the Peking University School of International Studies serving as the discussant.
Ewout Frankema, Professor of Economic and Environmental History at Wageningen University, gave a presentation titled “Africa's Mineral Transition: Missed Opportunity or Blessing in Disguise?”. Using historical data on African commodities from 1850 to 2020, Frankema pointed out that from the 1960s to the present, Africa has experienced an important "mineral transition" – a rapid rise in the share of minerals (oil included) in Africa's foreign exports and a marked decline in the share of traditional crop products. Frankema argued that Africa’s "mineral transition" has a positive impact on curbing economic depression and increasing its per capita exports. But at the same time, Africa’s "mineral transition" has not yet been effective in contributing to poverty alleviation and bringing about structural changes.
Marlous van Waijenburg, Assistant Professor at Harvard Business School, presented her paper titled "An Awakening Manufacturing Giant? Views from African Labor History". Marlous began by outlining three distinct development paths: capital-intensive, as represented by the United Kingdom; labor-intensive, as represented by Japan; and land-extensive, as represented by Ghana’s cocoa boom. By analyzing the gap between the wages of workers in Japan and China during their economic takeoffs vis-à-vis those in the advanced economies, Malous argued that Africa's current wage advantage is not very significant. Meanwhile, although historically Africa was abundant in land and sparsely populated, its population density will approach or even exceed that of Asia in the second half of the 21st century, so the door of land-extensive development paths may also be closing sooner than we expected.
Idriss Fofana, Assistant Professor at Harvard Law School, presented his paper titled "Labor and Sovereignty: Managing Labor by Treaty in the Senegal River Valley in the Nineteenth Century." Fofana analyzed how treaties between France and various local African polities in the Senegal River Valley in the nineteenth century regulated labor mobility and recruitment. Fofana’s paper focused on the transitional period between the abolition of the trans-Altanltic slave trade in the early nineteenth century and the formalization of French colonial rule and the use of forced labor in the early twentieth century. His research showed that France took advantage of the local polities' slave raiding and slave-holding practices to acquire enslaved workers for its commercial plantations and infrastructure projects without breaking abolitionist and anti-slavery laws at the time.
Xu Zhe, a post-doctoral fellow at East China Normal University, shared his paper titled "Long Distance Trade and Social Change in 19th-Century East Africa." Xu introduced three trade routes that were critical for East Africa’s trade with other regions during the 19th Century. They were the northern route, the central route, and the southern route. His analysis paid particular attention to important commodities such as slaves, ivory, cloth, beads, and muskets, as well as the role that porters played in this process. Xu Zhe's research showed that the political, economic, and social structures of the East African societies had already begun to shift due to long-distance trade prior to the establishment of colonial rule.
After the four presentations, the panelists and the audience actively discussed questions such as the relationship between mining transformation and the political system in Africa, the prospects of industrialization in Africa, and the connection between the French labor regime in Africa in the 19th century and its subsequent colonial rule.
Main Forum Panel 2: African Industrialization and China-Africa Cooperation
The second panel took place on the afternoon of June 15, moderated by Dr. Ji Fei from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. Professor Li Zhibiao, a researcher and professor at the Institute of West Asian and African Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences served as the discussant.
Wang Jinjie, Research Assistant Professor at the National School of Development of Peking University and deputy secretary-general of the Peking University Center for African Studies presented her paper titled "Inward Foreign Direct Investment and Technology Spillover Effects: Insights from Ethiopian Manufacturing Section." Wang and her team collected survey data on the local entrepreneurial community in Ethiopia, and analyzed their perceptions of the spillover effects of FDI, as well as their needs and difficulties in recruiting and training workers. Their data showed that FDI in Ethiopia has an important role in promoting job creation, industrial cluster development, and technology spillover and transfer, but there is still a significant mismatch between the labor force’s education levels and skills and what the market demands.
Tang Bin, a PhD candidate from Hunan University, shared his study titled "The Effects of African Civil Conflicts on FDI: The Moderating Role of Bilateral Political Relations.” Tang compiled data on conflict and FDI in Africa between 2013 and 2019. In his study, Tang categorized conflicts in Africa into three types: interstate conflicts, intra-state conflicts, and "one-way conflicts" represented by attacks on enterprises and individuals or terrorism. His research pointed out that intra-state conflicts and "one-way conflicts" in Africa have the most prominent negative impacts on FDI, but good political relations with FDI source countries can help reduce these negative impacts.
Liu Shaonan, Associate Professor of History at Beijing Normal University, examined the rise and crisis of the Nigerian textile industry between the 1960s and 1990s. He also analyzed the rise and fall of the Chinese-owned United Nigeria Textiles Limited, highlighting its role in import substitution, job creation and technology transfer for Nigeria's industrialization process during the post-independent era. In addition, Liu analyzed the issue of "Chinese identity" among Chinese enterprises in Nigeria through two cases – the Biafra War and the acquisition of Kaduna Textile Mills by United Nigeria Textiles Limited.
Liu Yuzao, Professor and Vice Dean of the School of Social Sciences at Shanghai University, presented a paper titled "‘Dual Locking’ and ‘Path Creation’ in Path Dependency: An Analysis of Standard Competition for China’s Practical Economic Technology in Rwanda." Taking the development of Chinese enterprises in Rwanda as an example, Liu introduced the analytical tool of the "interest-norm" double game, and discussed how Chinese enterprises in Rwanda participated in the standard competition through China's vocational training system and Chinese "economic and practical technology" so as to meet the needs of local development. Liu suggested that Chinese enterprises abroad should first realize "path creation" at the normative level, which can help to break the path dependence, and then realize the dual balance of "interests and norms".
After the presentations, Professor Li Zhibiao and the audiance made insightful comments on questions such as the mismatch between the education level of African workers and the needs of enterprises, the relationship between bilateral relations and FDI, the development of economic and trade relations between China and Nigeria, and how to create products and technical standards suitable for Africa's development needs.
Main Forum Panel 3: African Health Care in the Transition to Autonomy
The third panel was held on the afternoon of 15 June, moderated by Dr. Joseph Nkurunziza, Acting Principal of the College of Business and Economics at the University of Rwanda, with Associate Professor Song Wei from the Beijing Foreign Studies University serving as the discussant.
Jiang Ruzhang, a doctoral student at the Renmin University of China, presented his paper "Medical Interaction as a Trinity in Africa - A Field Study Based on Grassroots Health Organisations in Uganda", which describes the interactions and associations of three different forms of medical forces in Uganda: a primary health care social organization, a Chinese medical team, and a Chinese private clinic. Jiang argued that an anthropological action research lens can be an important way to explain medical interaction between China and Africa.
Wang Duoquan, Deputy Director of the Centre for Global Health at the Institute of Parasitic Diseases (National Research Centre for Tropical Diseases) of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), focuses on the experience and lessons of implementing the China-Tanzania Malaria Control Pilot Project, a multilateral international project, and how the project has gradually localized the "1-3-7" prevention and control model in China since its launch in 2015. He pointed out how the project has slowly localized China's "1-3-7" prevention and control model into Tanzania's "1-7 model" since its launch in 2015. However, this project achieved positive prevention and control results while facing challenges such as international competition.
Hu Huang, a Master's student from Shanghai University, presented a paper entitled "Eastern Gift between Morality and Benefit --An Analysis of the Meaning of "Gift" in the Transnational Commercialization of Artemisinin", which analyzed the local practice of a Chinese malaria pharmaceutical company in Africa in terms of the international challenges faced by Chinese pharmaceutical companies entering Africa. The paper analyses the complex field of international sourcing rules, local intellectual elites, and competition faced by Chinese pharmaceutical companies entering Africa and the corresponding localization challenges.
Yan Ziyi, a Master's student at Sun Yat-sen University, delivered a presentation entitled "COVlD-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Its Solutions in Tanzania: A Local Biological Perspective". She introduced the history of Tanzania's use of the COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic, and analyzed how local biological perspectives have made sense of colonial history, international politics, bio-vaccines, local official control measures, and daily private sector practices. These factors have shaped Tanzania's unique path of resistance to the epidemic.
After the presentations, the discussant and the audiance actively discussed questions such as the interaction between China's medical and health assistance to Africa and local medical practice in Africa, the process and challenges of China's medical and health assistance to Africa, and also the new international environment, local socio-cultural challenges and interactions faced by China's public health assistance to Africa.
Main Forum Panel 4: Political-Economic Transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Navigating in the New Era
The fourth panel was held on the morning of June 16, moderated by Wang Shujian, a PhD candidate at IIAS, Tsinghua University, with Dr. Wang Jinjie and Associate Professor Liu Shaonan serving as the discussants.
Li Hongfeng, Dean of the School of African Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, presented her research titled “The Cultural Driving Force in Africa's Development Process”. Her study systematically analyzed the role of culture in Africa's development since the 20th century, emphasizing the critical role of cultural policies, such as protecting national languages, reforming education, and promoting African identity, in achieving political independence and economic self-reliance in Africa.
Luo Ziheng, a PhD candidate at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, presented his paper "An Analysis of the Dependent Security Culture in the Congo Region." He utilized the concept of "dependent security culture" to analyze the national security strategy of the Congo region since the 15th century, pointing out that the cultural tradition of relying on external forces to resolve security issues is a decisive factor in the security strategy decisions of rulers in the Congo region.
Huang Zhenqian from China Agricultural University presented his research "The Shackles of History: Slave Trade and State-Building in Africa". Using a mixed-methods approach of quantitative and qualitative analysis, his study identified the causal relationship between the slave trade and African state-building. He found that the slave trade led to the rise and spread of indigenous predatory regimes, weakened traditional political authority, and made it difficult for the mass population to form political trust in the government, thereby hindering the modern state-building process in Africa.
Li Lianxing from the School of Social Sciences, Tsinghua University, analyzed the institutionalization of the People's Democratic Party of Nigeria during the Fourth Republic through the lens of relational theory in his paper titled "Building Relations: A Study of the Institutionalization of the Nigerian People's Democratic Party (1999-2015)". He emphasized the importance of stable party organization in national development.
Lyu Ye, a PhD candidate at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, shared his paper “Weathering the Compliance Drought: Impact of Climate Change on Citizen-State Conflict in Africa”. Using Afrobarometer survey data and spatial econometric analysis, he analysed the causal mechanisms between extreme weather and citizen compliance in the context of global climate change and estimated the potential national tax revenue losses caused by climate-induced noncompliance.
After the presentation session, the two discussants provided insightful commments on issues such as regional differences in cultural factors, the role of culture in China-Africa cooperation, factors influencing citizens' tax-paying ability, statistical data on the slave trade, and the generalization of party institutionalization in other political parties. Following this, the attendees engaged in a lively Q&A session, exchanging views on the significance of the five papers and discussing specific issues raised in the presentations.
Sub-Forum in Mauritius
On June 12, 2024, the First Tsinghua-Peking Universities Africa Studies Forum, Mauritius Sub-forum - "Mauritius: New Paths for a New Space-Time" was successfully held at the University of Mauritius. This seminar brought together experts and scholars from various fields, who conducted in-depth discussions on the history, current situation, and future challenges of Mauritius's development in different areas through interdisciplinary research sharing and intellectual exchanges.
The sub-forum was chaired by Dr. Xiong Xinghan, Assistant Professor at IIAS, Tsinghua University. The speakers and guests included Professor Boopen Seetanah, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Management at the University of Mauritius, Associate Professor Jocelyn Chan Low, former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Mauritius, Associate Professors Robin Nunkoo and Fauzel Sheereen from the Faculty of Law and Management, Associate Professor Khalil Elahee from the Faculty of Engineering, PhD candidate David Low from the Sorbonne Nouvelle University, and Kendall Tang, CEO of RT Knits Textile Group in Mauritius.
The sub-forum was held at the LT2 conference hall of the University of Mauritius and was simultaneously open online to the audience of other sub-forums of the Tsinghua-Peking Universities Africa Studies Forum. At the beginning of the meeting, Professor Xiong delivered his opening speech, explaining the purpose and significance of this forum and introducing the Institute for International and Area Studies at Tsinghua University to the scholars and audience of the University of Mauritius. Subsequently, the participating scholars and guests presented their research, with the specific content as follows.
Kendall Tang, CEO of RT Knits Textile Group in Mauritius, combined the development history of his company to showcase how Mauritius's textile industry seeks breakthrough paths in the face of rising labor costs and industrial relocations. Kendall introduced how RT Knits Group accelerates technological innovation and increases the proportion of renewable energy usage to gain market advantages while actively fulfilling social responsibilities. The entire case demonstrates the complex relationship between environmental issues, economic benefits, and social responsibility involved in the innovation process of the textile industry in small island countries.
Jocelyn Chan Low, former Dean and Associate Professor of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Mauritius, introduced the historical development of the "Welfare State" concept and practice in Mauritius. Professor Jocelyn believes that the "Welfare State" originated during the British colonial period and, after the independence movement and democratization, became an important legacy in Mauritian politics, widely recognized and accepted by the public. It is also a crucial reason for explaining the development miracle of Mauritius. Using abundant historical materials, Professor Jocelyn showcased the evolutionary history of the "Welfare State" similar to path dependence and the non-linear process of structural changes triggered by accidental events. He proposed that the aging population in Mauritius has become a significant variable that could potentially destabilize the practice of the "Welfare State" in the country.
Associate Professor Khalil Elahee from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Mauritius conducted an in-depth analysis of the close relationship between energy, ecology, economic development, and social ethics, emphasizing the significance of interdisciplinary approaches in analyzing and understanding energy-environment issues. Professor Elahee believes that energy issues are not just about conservation and efficiency but should be considered within a multi-dimensional and deeply structured holistic socio-ecological system. For instance, the understanding of energy use within social culture and the moral and value judgments involved are of great significance. Regarding Mauritius, in the current consumerist era, rather than focusing on issues such as energy efficiency improvement, it is perhaps more worthwhile to reflect deeply on whether so many goods are truly needed and the endless greed for material pursuits behind them.
Associate Professor Fauzel Sheereen from the Faculty of Law and Management presented a comprehensive picture of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Mauritius. She revealed a core issue: how to transform foreign direct investment into the country's economic resilience through industrial diversification and nation-building.
Professor Boopen Seetanah, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Management, and Associate Professor Robin Nunkoo jointly provided an in-depth introduction and analysis of the characteristics of Mauritius's tourism industry, particularly the potential challenges it faces. The two scholars believe that the development of Mauritius's tourism industry must first confront the inherent defects brought about by its geographical features, including its remote location from tourist source regions, the small size of the island leading to a limited variety of tourist resources, ecological challenges posed by the environment and climate, and vulnerability due to excessive reliance on external markets. Furthermore, they revealed the structural problems of Mauritius's tourism industry arising from an over-reliance on the 3S (Sea, Sand, Sun) vacation model, where tourist consumption occurs within a hotel-dominated commercial closed-loop system, with only a small portion of the spending directly benefiting the local market. On top of this issue, the tourism industry's characteristics of heavy resource consumption and high environmental pressure are more challenging, as their minimal benefit to local characteristics might interact with Mauritius's political and economic factors, thereby negatively impacting the entire country.
PhD candidate David Low from Université Sorbonne Nouvelle explored the history, and current situation of the Sino-Mauritian community and the potential crisis of disappearance it faces. David believes that the disappearance of the first generation of Chinese, low birth rates, mixed marriages, and emigration are the main factors leading to the decrease in the Chinese population. The reasons for Chinese emigration include a desire for the outside world, a low willingness to take over family businesses, and an unfavorable local environment. He called for improving the community's representation and attractiveness, conducting economic and political reforms, and protecting minority rights and cultural heritage. Strengthening education on Mauritius's multicultural history, improving political behavior, and promoting inclusive development for all ethnic groups were emphasized as well.
In the final part of the forum, Professor Xiong integrated the research on all the various topics discussed through the perspective of complexity studies. Xiong views Mauritius as a dissipative structure, demonstrating how different social structures and actors create self-organizing patterns in an open system with continuous energy influx, resulting in generally complex and profound connections. Furthermore, to maintain the dissipative structure, different fields form various feedback loop mechanisms, some of which sustain system stability, while others may lead to system evolution and overall transitions to adapt to new external environments. These feedback mechanisms can have positive or negative effects but require a perspective that transcends anthropocentric limitations and examines Mauritius as a space-time complex from a more holistic human-nature viewpoint.
During the Q&A and discussion session, the speakers and the audience engaged in in-depth exchanges and discussions on their respective concerns, further stimulating thoughts on the future development of Mauritius. At the end of the forum, Naraindra Kistamah, the foreign director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Mauritius and an associate professor in the Faculty of Engineering, summarized the main outcomes of the seminar. He emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and international exchange and expressed his gratitude to the Institute for International and Area Studies at Tsinghua University and the Center for African Studies at Peking University for their active attempts to hold this cross-regional and interdisciplinary forum. He believed that this seminar not only provided a platform for scholars to exchange ideas but also offered new perspectives and insights for exploring the future development of Mauritius.
Sub-Forum in Rwanda
On the morning of June 14, 2024, the Sub-Forum "Rwanda: Three Decades of Nation-Building" was successfully held at the University of Rwanda's Gikondo Campus, in Kigali. The seminar is a panel of the First Tsinghua-Peking Universities African Studies Forum, which aims to explore the remarkable journey of nation-building in Rwanda in the three decades following the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 and to promote exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Rwandan scholars.
Following the horrific genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, Rwanda has transformed itself from a nation in despair to a beacon of hope and resilience. Through unwavering determination and strategic reforms, Rwanda has achieved substantial economic growth, political stability, and social transformation. The seminar was moderated and opened by Zhang Shuibei, a PhD candidate from the Institute for International and Area Studies of Tsinghua University, and featured speakers including Associate Professor Dr. Samuel Mutarindwa, Director of Teaching and Enhancement at the University of Rwanda's College of Business and Economics (CBE); Bimenyimana Pierre Celestin, Advisor to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research at the University of Rwanda; Annie Kairaba, Coordinator of Center for Inclusive and Sustainable Development (CISD); Dative Mukarutesi, a PhD student under CBE, and Samuel Mushabe, a PhD student from the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) at the University of Rwanda.
In the opening remark, Zhang Shuibei explained that the seminar will delve into the multiple paths taken by Rwanda in the process of nation building, covering various aspects such as economic development, political stability and social cohesion, with the aim of providing valuable experience for the reconstruction and sustainable development of post-conflict countries.
Associate Professor Dr. Samuel Mutarindwa, Director of Teaching and Enhancement at CBE, explores the similarities and differences in the African banking system and the reasons and implications behind them. Professor Mutarindwa found that African banking systems are at a lower level of development than those of other developing countries due to historical and institutional factors, and that there are significant differences in the level of development of banking systems within African countries. By analyzing the processing of quantitative data from different countries, the colonization and legal traditions have largely influenced the development of legal systems and banking systems in each country. In addition, the quality of governance and government expenditures in countries are also closely related to the development of the banking system. Professor Mutarindwa pointed out that improving the quality of governance and institutions is more important in promoting the development of banking systems in Africa than simply strengthening existing legal institutions.
Bimenyimana Pierre Celestin, Advisor to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research at the University of Rwanda, presented the importance of youth volunteering in controlling COVID-19 in Rwanda. A discourse analysis of the government's documents on youth volunteering typifies public and personal motives and emphasizes the importance of social work in public health management.
Annie Kairaba, Coordinator of CISD, shared her research on land reform, highlighting the process and outcomes of successful land reform implementation in Rwanda through inclusive policies. Ms. Kairaba emphasized the importance of transparency and civil society cooperation in the land reform process and noted that land disputes still exist in the current Rwandan society and that further research is needed in the future to enhance the inclusiveness and sustainability of the reforms.
Dative Mukarutesi, a PhD student from CBE, reported on the challenges and opportunities of the Rwandan tourism industry in the face of the United Nations World Tourism Organization's (UNWTO) agenda, analyzing the potentials and problems of the tourism industry in contributing to the transformation of the Rwandan economy and inclusive development.
Samuel Mushabe, a PhD student from CASS, used Rwanda as an example of the potential of farming cooperatives to contribute to social cohesion, reconciliation and stability in the process of post-conflict nation-building, revealing the transformative role of farming cooperatives as grassroots organizations of peasants in post-genocide Rwanda.
During the Q&A session, the participating scholars engaged in a lively discussion and exchange on topics such as the impact of colonization on financial systems, the pathways for Rwanda's industrial structure transformation, and the grass-roots organizational systems and social action culture in Rwanda. This seminar not only provided a platform for academic exchange related to Rwandan studies but also offered valuable insights into the experiences and pathways of post-conflict nation-building.
Sub-Forum in South Asia Area
On June 12, 2024, the South Asia Sub-Forum of the first Tsinghua–Peking University African Studies Forum, titled "Migration between South Asia and Africa: Regional Mobility and Globalization," was successfully held both online and offline in Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. A total of eight participants from six universities and research institutions across these three countries discussed two main topics: "South Asian Migration and Globalization" and "Youth and Labor in South Asian Migration." Participants and audience engaged in in-depth discussions and exchanged academic perspectives on various migration issues between South Asia and Africa from diverse disciplines and viewpoints.
Part 1: South Asian Migration and Globalization
The session on "South Asian Migration and Globalization" was chaired by Assistant Professor He Yan from IIAS, Tsinghua University. This session focused on the contributions and challenges of migrants to the economic and social development of their destination countries. It covered topics such as the contributions of Pakistani migrants in Africa, the impact of Nepalese migration to India, the effects of the pandemic on Sri Lankan migrants, and migration dynamics between Nigeria and Pakistan.
Areeba Arif Khan, a researcher at the Islamabad Institute of Strategic Studies, highlighted the historical and economic contributions of Pakistani migrants in Africa, particularly in the textile, pharmaceutical, and information technology industries. She discussed the establishment of successful enterprises and the promotion of local economic development through bilateral trade. Khan emphasized the role of Pakistani professionals in improving healthcare and education in African countries and the necessity of establishing sustainable trade links and cultural exchanges to foster mutual understanding and development.
Professor Dr. Lok Raj Baral from Kathmandu University outlined the migration patterns of Nepalese to India, emphasizing the impact of open border policies. He discussed the historical and socio-economic factors driving migration, including economic opportunities and the attraction of the Indian market. Baral also highlighted the seasonal nature of migration and the challenges faced by migrants, such as legal ambiguities and lack of citizenship, pointing to the importance of supportive policies to enhance migrant welfare and regional cooperation.
Professor Dr. K. Amirthalingam from the University of Colombo examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis on Sri Lankan migrants, particularly those in the Gulf region. She emphasized the challenges faced by both low-skilled and high-skilled workers, including unemployment, mental health issues, and difficulties in returning home. Amirthalingam discussed the significant role of remittances in the Sri Lankan economy and the socio-economic impact of the crisis, stressing the need for policies to support returning migrants and ensure their socio-economic stability.
Associate Professor Dr. Najimdeen Bakare from the Center for International Peace and Stability explored migration trends between Nigeria and Pakistan, focusing on historical, cultural, and economic factors. He highlighted the role of Nigerian migrants in Pakistan's economy, particularly in the education and healthcare sectors. Bakare discussed the challenges faced by Nigerian migrants, including cultural shock and discrimination, and emphasized the need for improved policy frameworks and cultural exchange programs to support migrant integration and enhance mutual understanding between migrants and host communities.
Part 2: Youth and Labor in South Asian Migration
The session on "Youth and Labor in South Asian Migration" was chaired by Assistant Professor Lei Dingkun from IIAS, Tsinghua University. This session focused on the psychological and economic impacts on young South Asian migrants, gendered labor migration policies, socio-economic challenges faced by migrants in host countries, and the competition and complementarity of migrant labor markets between South Asia and Africa.
Dr. Prakash K. Paudel, a professor at Kathmandu University, provided an in-depth analysis of the migration trends of Nepalese youth, exploring the psychological and economic factors affecting them. He pointed out that Nepalese youth migrants often face skill mismatches and underutilization of their skills in host countries, limiting their development and integration. Paudel called for better data collection and targeted policies to support unskilled migrants and fully utilize the potential of youth for national development.
Professor. Dr. S. Jeevasuthan from the University of Jaffna focused on the challenges faced by Sri Lankan Tamil youth settling abroad. Through narratives of recent returnees, he identified social, economic, and cultural barriers, including discrimination and lack of opportunities, affecting successful migration and reintegration. Jeevasuthan emphasized the importance of support systems for returnees to ensure their successful reintegration and socio-economic stability.
Professor. Dr. Uddhab Pyakurel from Kathmandu University evaluated Nepal's unstable and gendered labor migration policies, highlighting frequent policy changes and restrictions faced by female migrants. He pointed out that female migrants often encounter exploitation and lack of legal protection, affecting their rights and welfare. Pyakurel called for more supportive and gender-sensitive policies to ensure the rights and welfare of female migrants.
Dr. Bilesha Weeraratne, a researcher from the Sri Lanka Institute of Policy Studies compared the migrant labor markets of Africa and South Asia, exploring the competition and complementarity between the two regions. He emphasized the economic contributions of migrants from both regions and the challenges they face, including discrimination and legal barriers. Weeraratne advocated for better labor market integration and cooperation between South Asian and African countries to enhance mutual benefits and socio-economic development.
The forum received enthusiastic responses and active participation from attendees. Following the speeches, scholars such as Najimdeen engaged in lively discussions on the definitions of concepts and related place names mentioned in the presentations. The audiance expressed that the forum provided them with an important platform to understand the current situation and impact of South Asian migration in Africa, laying the foundation for future research and cooperation.
In his closing remarks, He Yan, Assistant Professor from IIAS, Tsinghua University, thanked all participants for their support and contributions, expressing anticipation for more collaboration and exchanges in the future. He also emphasized the importance of continuing to deepen academic exchanges and cooperation between South Asia and Africa to promote mutual learning and common development in the era of globalization. The successful launch of the first South Asia Area Sub-Forum of the Dual-School Africa Forum injected new vitality and momentum into China’s Africa studies field and established a more inclusive and open platform for international exchange.
