Sululta – 16 August, 2025 (AFLEX) – The African Leadership Excellence Academy (AFLEX) and the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO), Ministry of Commerce of China (MOFCOM), held a high-level discussion on the implementation of their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today, August 16, 2025, at the AFLEX Leadership Development Center in Sululta.
The two academies signed the MoU last year to foster leadership development and strengthen cooperation between Africa and China.
The AIBO delegation was led by Mr. Liu Rutao, Vice President of AIBO (MOFCOM). The discussions focused on concrete steps for MoU implementation, including Experience-sharing and staff exchange between the two academies launching short- and long-term training programs at AFLEX facilitated by Chinese professors Establishing the African Training Center of AIBO within AFLEX.
Speaking during the session, Mr. Liu Rutao emphasized AIBO’s strong commitment to implementing the MoU. He stated that this partnership will play a vital role in developing African leaders and advancing excellence in leadership training.
Mr. Liu highlighted that the collaboration demonstrates the genuine commitment of both institutions’ leadership, adding that AIBO aspires to build African leaders through AFLEX and establish a hub of excellence.
He also extended a cordial invitation for AFLEX leaders to visit AIBO in China.
On behalf of AFLEX, Dr. Wondeye Legesse, Vice Chief of AFLEX, warmly welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed AFLEX’s commitment to working with AIBO as a key strategic partner.
He noted that AFLEX has long-standing cooperation with various Chinese institutions and believes this collaboration with AIBO will significantly contribute to achieving AFLEX’s vision and mission of cultivating Ethiopian and African leaders.
Dr. Wondeye further outlined AFLEX’s comprehensive leadership development programs, which include Executive Leadership Development Program, Public Leadership Development Program, Women Leadership Development Program and Emerging Leadership Development Program in addition to 38 specialized leadership development programs designed to meet diverse leadership needs across Africa.
The AIBO delegation also visited the AFLEX Leadership Development Center and expressed their appreciation for the Academy’s achievements and facilities.
The visiting delegation included Mr. Wang Ligui, Counselor of Mission of China to the African Union, Mr. Dai Mingyang, Third Secretary of Mission of China to the African Union, Mr. Zhang Bolin, Third Secretary of Mission of China to the African Union, Mr. Ma Zhipeng, Attache of Mission of China to the African Union, Ms. Zeng Di, Coordinator, Executive Department of China-aid Training Programs, AIBO (MOFCOM)
