The Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory (ACCPA) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Institute of Chinese Law (ICL), marking the beginning of a new era of collaboration aimed at strengthening Africa-China-Europe partnerships across law, trade, education, and sustainable development.
The agreement, signed by Paul Frimpong, Executive Director of ACCPA, and Ivan Cardillo, Chairman of the Institute of Chinese Law, establishes a framework for cooperation in multiple areas, including:
- Trade and Economic Development – advancing China-Europe-Africa trade corridors and supporting SMEs in Ghana to access Chinese and European markets.
- Education and Academic Exchange – fostering joint research, faculty exchanges, and think tank cooperation platforms.
- Technology and Innovation – promoting digital innovation and entrepreneurship through hubs and knowledge-sharing.
- Green Finance and Sustainability – collaborating on climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, and environmental projects.
- Law, Policy, and Advisory Services – strengthening legal and regulatory dialogues to support cross-border collaboration.
Speaking on the significance of the MOU, Paul Frimpong, Executive Director of ACCPA, stated:
“This partnership with the Institute of Chinese Law represents a strategic milestone in our mission to foster Africa-China cooperation that is practical, sustainable, and mutually beneficial. By bringing in a European dimension, this collaboration opens new pathways for policy dialogue, green development, and economic growth that will directly benefit Ghana, Africa, and our global partners.”
Echoing this sentiment, Ivan Cardillo, Chairman of the Institute of Chinese Law, emphasized the importance of the trilateral partnership:
“Through this MOU, we are not only creating bridges between Africa and China, but also linking Europe into the equation to promote fair, pragmatic, and forward-looking cooperation. ICL is proud to contribute its expertise in law, policy, and governance, ensuring that our shared initiatives have a strong foundation in legal and institutional frameworks.”
The MOU is valid for five years and provides for joint programs, research, policy dialogues, and cultural exchanges. Both institutions have committed to developing detailed agreements to operationalize specific projects in the coming months.
This partnership signals a bold step forward in advancing Africa-China-Europe relations at a time when trilateral cooperation is critical for addressing global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and inclusive economic development.
About ACCPA
The Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory (ACCPA) is a Ghana-based policy think tank and advisory institution dedicated to advancing Africa-China relations through research, dialogue, and capacity-building.
About ICL
The Institute of Chinese Law (ICL) delivers authoritative legal, cultural, and policy insights on China, supporting informed decision-making by governments, institutions, and businesses worldwide.