Recently, the long awaited symposium, 5^th International symposium for West Africa became a reality. It was held in Ghana, (Accra and Kumasi) respectively and finally ended with a visit to Togo and Benin.

It is with immense pleasure and a profound sense of pride that I write this report on account of the symposium as a participant highlighting the overall outlook and outcome while expounding on the incredible directorial role played by Professor Shurong Zhao at the Symposium. Professor Zhao has been a driving force behind this ISWAS since its inception in 2017.

A Summary of the Session in Accra (27-28 November, 2023)

The 5th International Symposium for West African Studies (ISWAS) was organized in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana, between 27^th-30^th November, 2023 on the main theme of “Promoting Social and Economic Development in west Africa from Digital Economy Transformation and Development”. I had the unique opportunity to participate in the Accra session of the symposium on the 28^th of November 2023. Here, I had the honor to present our funded projects from Center for West African Studies of UESTC with DevAfrica Institute team as well as delivering the summary note for the parallel session (1-B) under the category of Digital Economy Development in West Africa and it was a remarkable one.

The conference had Professor Shurong Zhao, the Director of the Center for West African Studies of UESTC in the People’s Republic of China, who is also the Deputy General Secretary of Chinese Society of African Historical Studies and multitasking her role as the Acting Director of China Society for African Studies as the chairperson and the ultimate keynote speaker for the symposium.

A true epitome of a lady in leadership position, baring the hallmark of a trailblazer in our evolving era.

Under her astute leadership, the ISWAS, 2023 truly became a world-class event, bringing together scholars and diplomatic experts from across the continent and beyond to share their latest research ushering in the opportunity to network on all spheres.

Navigating from her seat of exceptional, managerial expertise, Professor Zhao pulled out all the stops in ensuring that the conference ran smoothly, and she was constantly available to address any issues, including helping with the smooth flow of guests, resolving logistical and its relational challenges, and coordinating with local partners. She also personally addressed the delegates from diverse backgrounds so eloquently and effortlessly in full confidence.

Professor Zhao was actively involved in the day-to-day preparations of the conference, from the beginning till the end. She worked closely with the local organizers to ensure that the venue and other local arrangements were in place. She also coordinated with the international speakers, which included some of the most prominent scholars, giant entrepreneurs like Mr. Tang Hong, a business man and The Director of Tang Palace Hotel and diplomats from the political arena including His Excellency, Ambassador Edward Boateng, who is a business executive, politician and currently the Director-General of Ghana’s State Interests and Governance Authority to share in their seasoned experience in the field given their various niches.

Furthermore, Professor Zhao actively worked to make sure that the ISWAS was accessible to all extending her arms to make sure that everyone who was in attendance of the ISWAS 2023 received the same treatment and that no one was left out.

Summary of the Session in University of Lomé, Confucius Institute, Republic of Togo.

Due to the sky high deadlines on the professional domain, I did not have the privilege to join the team in tripping University of Lomé, Togo. However, under this session, I present my personal experience and opinion with special emphasis on the friendship ties existing between the two institutional bodies in connection with the theme of the symposium among others.

Anytime I visit Asigame, I get the euphoric memories and the feel of the trading city of Guangzhou in the People’s Republic of China. Given Togo’s duty free port, in my personal shopping and tourism experience, I realized that this big market, Asigame, located in Togo is dominated by Chinese entrepreneurs which is inspired by the free port (duty free) in Lome, Togo shedding a spotlight on high export or trade initiatives from China and vice versa.

Asigame Market is the largest market in Lomé, Togo, and serves as a vital trade hub. Togo has recognized the importance of digitalization in its development strategy, aiming to become a logistics and services hub for the West African region. The country has placed digital technologies at the heart of its development strategy, with a focus on improving efficiency, quality of services, transparency, and accountability.

However, Togo's current penetration rate of mobile broadband is 20%, and there is a need to improve infrastructure and digital skills to fully exploit the potential of digital technology in the country.

This in itself makes ISWAS 2023 expert teams’ visit for dialogue and exchanges on all levels with Confucius Institute of University of Lomé, a significant and timely trip, clearly exhibiting the bilateral trade, friendship ties, support systems and the core initiative of a win-win agenda that exists between China and Africa especially, West African economies.

Conclusively, Professor Shurong Zhao's role given the just ended 5th International Symposium for West African Studies cannot be overstated. Her hard work, dedication, sheer humility with intermittent humor throughout her presentations and moderations and active commitment to making the conference successful and accessible to all is truly commendable. She has been a great source of inspiration and motivation to all of us.

The symposium has just been ended, but we are already anxious to welcoming the 6^th ISWAS symposium.

Long Live ISWAS, Long Live CWAS of UESTC, Long Live DevAfrica Institute!!!