University of Jinan has recently received approval to receive support for its key specialized project for Intergovernmental Collaboration in International Technological Innovation under the National Key R&D Program. The university has joined forces with the University of Yaoundé I and Cameroon’s Institute for the Promotion of Local Materials to establish the “China-Africa Joint Laboratory of Advanced Low-Carbon Cementitious Materials”. This initiative stands as one of the initial ten joint laboratories endorsed by China’s Ministry of Science and Technology to promote collaboration between China and African nations. The distinction of being the only institution in Shandong Province to receive this recognition marks a significant milestone for the university in the realm of China-Africa science and technology collaboration.

Centering on the critical need to turn industrial solid wastes and building materials in China and across African countries into sources, the project aims to leverage major strategic opportunities presented by infrastructure development in both regions. It will draw upon the universities' expertise in building materials to conduct joint research, advancing theoretical and technological breakthroughs in new solid waste-derived low-carbon cement and concrete materials. The collaboration is set to propel China’s leading-edge technological achievements in advanced building materials into the global arena and improve local scientific and technological innovation capacities. Furthermore, it aims to facilitate talent exchange and training, paving the way for all-encompassing cooperation and growth between China and Africa in the domain of technology development and application.