Sino-African Workshop on Collaboration in Water and Environmental Sectors

Date & Venue:
Monday, 16-17 June 2026, 08:30–16:00
Sheraton Qingdao West Coast Hotel

Organizers:
Qingdao University of Technology (QUT) and CAS Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES)

Objective:
To initiate dialogue among scientists from eight universities across six African countries—Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Ghana, and South Sudan—and Chinese academic partners. The aim is to identify thematic priorities, address regional needs, and explore potential collaborations in water and environmental sectors.

Context:
Africa faces significant challenges related to water scarcity and pollution, exacerbated by population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and climate change. African universities represent a vital resource, educating future policymakers, administrators, and industry leaders. Meanwhile, Chinese universities offer internationally oriented expertise with strong theoretical and practical experience in tackling water and environmental issues. Sino-African collaboration holds great potential to develop projects supported by various funding sources, including China’s Belt and Road Initiative and international grants. Successful partnerships begin with mutual understanding of strengths and needs. This workshop is designed to establish professional networks and enable future collaboration between China and Africa.

Preliminary Schedule

Tuesday 16^th June

• Arrival of invited professors from Chinese universities
• Joint dinner with Chinese and African delegates
• Overnight stay at Sheraton Qingdao West Coast Hotel 

Wednesday, 17^th June – Sino-African Workshop

• 08:30–08:45 Welcome, introduction, and workshop objectives
• 08:45–09:15 The need for collaboration and potential for funding of Sino-African university collaboration
• 09:15–11:00 Presentations by eight African universities: background, research interests, and collaboration ambitions
• 11:00–11:45 Presentations by Chinese universities: background, research collaborations, and ambitions in Africa
• 11:45–13:00 Lunch and networking
• 13:00–14:00 Brainstorming session to identify collaborative directions
• 14:00–15:00 Group work to develop project concepts in prioritized themes
• 15:00–15:45 Presentation of group findings, discussion
• 15:45–16:00 Conclusions, next steps, and workshop closure

Logistical Support:
Qingdao University of Technology will cover accommodation and meeting costs. Participation of African and Norwegian university staff is funded by the WaterESSENCE project, funded by Norway. These delegates will be in Qingdao from 15th-19th June to also attend a project meeting.

Participating Universities

African & Norwegian Partners:

• Makerere University, Uganda
• University of Nairobi, Kenya
• Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
• Machakos University, Kenya
• University of Development Studies, Ghana
• University of Ghana
• University of Rwanda
• University of Juba, South Sudan
• Norwegian University of Life Sciences
• University of Bergen, Norway
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Chinese Partners:

• Qingdao University of Technology
• CAS Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Beijing
• Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an
• Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Shanghai
• Shandong Academy of Sciences – Institute of Marine instrumentation
• Inner Mongolia University of Finance and Economics