The launch of the Research Centre for Xi Jinping Thought at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School marks a significant shift in the relationship between African liberation movements and China, expanding cooperation beyond historical solidarity into governance, poverty reduction and leadership transformation.
The Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has said the newly launched Research Centre for Xi Jinping Thought at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School will help shape a new development and governance agenda for liberation movements in Southern Africa, with a strong focus on poverty reduction, accountability and self-reliance.
Speaking during the launch ceremony, CCM Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro said political institutions can only remain relevant if they continue serving the interests of ordinary citizens.
“Anything that does not benefit the people cannot remain in power for long,” Dr. Migiro said, while stressing the importance of responsive leadership and development-oriented governance.
She said the establishment of the centre reflects a growing partnership between African liberation movements and the Communist Party of China (CPC), particularly in governance reforms, leadership development and economic transformation.
Dr. Migiro noted that one of the key lessons African political institutions could learn from China is the seriousness with which the country addresses corruption.
“Many people know that China takes corruption very seriously. When serious mistakes are committed, strict punishment follows,” she said.
“That commitment to discipline and accountability is one of the reasons we considered it important to establish this research centre.”
According to her, the idea was initially discussed among General Secretaries of liberation parties, who also serve as principals of their respective political schools.
“What we are witnessing today is the implementation of a shared vision among liberation movements,” she said.
Dr. Migiro explained that the institution has been opened to all six liberation parties represented at the event because it was founded on shared values, historical cooperation and ideological solidarity.
The parties include CCM, ANC, FRELIMO, MPLA, SWAPO and ZANU-PF, all of which played major roles in Africa’s liberation struggles.
“This college has been opened for use by all liberation parties represented here because it is built on common ideals and principles,” she said. “It is open to everyone who believes in these ideas and wishes to contribute.”
The CCM Secretary-General linked the launch of the centre to a broader long-term research agenda introduced earlier this year.
“On March 4, we launched a long-term research agenda extending into the future, and it became clear that implementing such a vision required a dedicated research institution,” she said.
“The establishment of this centre is therefore directly connected to that research agenda.”
She explained that the institution will go beyond political training and serve as a hub for research, professional expertise and policy guidance.
“This institution will not only function as a training school, but also as a centre for research and policy advice,” she said.
“Research findings and academic work produced here should help political parties and governments make informed decisions that improve the lives of citizens.”
Dr. Migiro encouraged Tanzanians and scholars from across the region to use the centre for learning, research and intellectual exchange.
“We welcome people to come here, conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute solutions to the challenges facing our societies,” she said.
She also revived debate around the philosophy of self-reliance championed by Tanzania’s founding president, Julius Nyerere, arguing that modern societies have increasingly neglected that principle.
“If you study Mwalimu Nyerere’s philosophy, socialism and self-reliance were inseparable,” Dr. Migiro said.
“Today, many young people are growing up without being taught independence and responsibility. Some continue depending entirely on their families even as adults.”
She warned that societies risk weakening the spirit of self-reliance if young people are not encouraged to work, think independently and take responsibility from an early age.
“We must create systems that help young people become independent early in life,” she said. “That culture should begin within families and communities.”
Dr. Migiro said the research centre was also inspired by China’s development experience under Chinese President Xi Jinping, particularly the country’s achievements in poverty reduction.
“The ideas and leadership of President Xi Jinping enabled China to eliminate absolute poverty on a remarkable scale,” she said.
“That experience has become an important area of study for developing countries seeking practical solutions to poverty.
According to her, books documenting President Xi’s governance philosophy and development strategies have already been brought to the institution to support research and training.
“Tanzanians are now being encouraged to conduct research on how these ideas and approaches can help address poverty challenges within Southern African countries,” she said.
She added that the Chinese government has shown willingness to support research programmes and training linked to governance and development studies.
Dr. Migiro further argued that liberation movements in Southern Africa must now redefine their historical mission to align with present-day realities.
“In the past, the struggle was for political independence,” she said. “Today, the struggle is economic liberation, youth inclusion in decision-making, accountable leadership, fighting corruption and empowering women to become pillars of development.”
She said these themes are now becoming central components of training programmes offered through the research initiative.
“These are the new priorities of liberation movements in Southern Africa,” she said. “They are now part of the education and training being offered to cadres through this centre.”
Dr. Migiro said the programmes launched at the institution are intended to continue for the long term, while Tanzanians and regional scholars will be invited to apply once official procedures are announced.
“Ultimately, these studies are about understanding how China succeeded in reducing poverty and exploring how African countries can adapt those lessons to their own development contexts,” she said.
