The School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University has partnered with Rendeavour, Africa’s largest new city builder, to establish the Research and Teaching Base for Global South Communication at Tatu City, Kenya’s first operational mixed-use Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The new base will serve as a hub for academic research, teaching, dialogue, case studies, and field visits aimed at strengthening China-Africa cooperation in media, communication, and development.
Its inauguration was marked by a symposium led by Professor Yuezhi Zhao, Director of the initiative at Tsinghua University.
“The School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University is committed to combining academic excellence with social responsibility. This collaboration with Rendeavour offers students and scholars direct engagement with African contexts, enabling real-world learning and cross-cultural understanding,” said Professor Zhao during the ceremony.
Over the past three years, Tatu City has hosted more than 1,000 Chinese academics, companies, and business leaders exploring topics ranging from investment opportunities to healthcare research in local communities.
Currently, the city hosts seven Chinese enterprises representing USD 400 million in investment and creating more than 10,000 jobs in sectors such as textiles, renewable energy, healthcare, construction, automotive, and real estate.
Rendeavour Founder and CEO Stephen Jennings welcomed the partnership, noting it would provide “live case studies and seamless access to Africa for Chinese entrepreneurs and scholars.”
Tsinghua University, ranked 8th globally in the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings 2025, is recognized as one of the world’s leading institutions in media and communication research.
The collaboration will not only benefit Kenya but also extend to Rendeavour’s other city developments in Nigeria, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, broadening the scope of China-Africa engagement through academic and cultural exchange.
