China-Africa Center of Mathematics is established at Zhejiang Normal University in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, on Oct 24. [Photo/Tide News]

The China-Africa Center of Mathematics was inaugurated at Zhejiang Normal University in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, on Oct 24.

As China's first mathematical research and cooperation institution focused on Africa, the center signifies that China-Africa scientific collaboration now includes basic sciences.

At the unveiling ceremony, Russian mathematician and Fields Medal laureate Efim Zelmanov was appointed as the center's chief expert, while university distinguished professor Ni Lei was named director. Prominent mathematicians from China, South Africa, Egypt, Brazil, and other countries gathered to witness this historic moment.

Academician Zheng Zhiming of the Chinese Academy of Sciences highlighted Zhejiang Normal University's pioneering role in China-Africa research. He noted that the center's launch marks a leap from humanities and social sciences to foundational scientific collaboration, paving the way for deeper China-Africa cooperation in knowledge creation, technological innovation, and future development.

Basile Guy Richard Bossoto, president of the African Mathematical Union, highlighted Africa's youthful energy and China's advanced technology and experience as complementary strengths. He expressed confidence that the center would become a hub for excellence, friendship, and peace in mathematical research.

According to Qiu Limin, the university's president, the center will work to connect leading scientific institutions and researchers in China and Africa, foster talent development, and advance research in modern mathematics and artificial intelligence.