Charles Onunaiju
Nigerian scholar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Charles Onunaiju (born 5 December 1964) is a Nigerian scholar, author, and commentator on China–Africa relations.[1][2] He founded and directs the Centre for China Studies (CCS), an Abuja-based think tank established in 2015 that researches China's political and economic systems and their engagement with Africa.[3]
Charles Onunaiju | |
|---|---|
Charles in 2024 | |
| Born | December 5, 1964 Mgbidi, Imo State, Nigeria |
| Occupations | Scholar, author, journalist |
| Organization | Centre for China Studies |
| Known for | China–Africa relations |
| Awards | Special Book Award of China (2016) |
| Website | ccs-ng |
Early life
Career
Onunaiju worked as a journalist, heading foreign affairs desks at Nigerian newspapers such as Daily Trust and Leadership.[4] In 2015, he established CCS, which publishes the ChinAfrica newsletter and organizes events on the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).[5]
He has lectured on China-Africa relations at Nigeria's National Defence College and participated in BRI-related forums in China.[4][6] Onunaiju has been quoted in media discussions on BRI infrastructure projects in Africa, COVID-19 origins inquiries, and bilateral ties.[7][8]
In 2016, he received the Special Book Award of China.[9] In 2019, he was appointed to the International Advisory Committee of the China-Africa Institute in Beijing.[10] He holds affiliations including adjunct scholar at Zhejiang Normal University's Institute of African Studies and membership in the China-Africa Think Tanks Forum.[4][11]
Selected publications
Onunaiju has authored books on China-Africa relations and China's modernization, including:
- China and Nigeria in World Affairs (2008)
- China/Africa: Issues, Challenges and Possibilities (2012)
- China and the Struggle for Modernization: From Revolution to Reform (2016)
- A Century of the Communist Party of China: Why Africa Should Engage its Experience (2021)[12]
- Prospects for Modernization In Africa: A Contribution Of Xi Jinping Thought (2026)