On October 22, 2023, Professor Zhao Shurong, director of the Center for West African Studies of UESTC, was elected as standing director of the China Society of African Studies in the 10th Congress of Members of the China Society of African Studies.

10th Congress of Members of the China Society of African Studies was held at the International Conference Center of Nanjing University, and was hosted by the Institute of African Studies, Nanjing University. Professor Zhao Shurong was elected as the standing director of the Congress. On the afternoon of the same day, the China Society of African Studies also held a seminar on Africa's economic and social development and China-Africa cooperation strategy, during which representatives of CWAS made studies and exchanges views on China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, China-Africa cooperation strategy, regional studies on sub-Saharan Africa, and youth talent training.

Founded in 1979, the China Society of African Studies is the only state-level academic organization engaged in comprehensive research on African issues in China. It has achieved fruitful results in the field of African studies and made great contributions to China's work with Africa and the training of African research talents. Members of the China Society of African Studies come from nearly 100 higher education and research institutions specializing in African studies in China, including experts and scholars in geography, foreign languages, economics, agronomy, international relations, communication studies, regional and national disciplines.