India's Observer Research Foundation published on 9 July 2025 an analysis titled "China's Think Tank Diplomacy in Africa" by Samir Bhattacharya.
China launched the China-Africa Think Tanks Forum (CATTF) in 2011, convening delegates from 27 African countries. CATTF serves as a permanent platform for dialogue and exchange between Chinese and African think tanks.
Xi Jinping has significantly expanded this initiative. Most of its activities are carefully orchestrated by China's state apparatus. Beijing's goal is to project China's world view, governance model, and developmental practices.
