The current international competition is a contest among countries on both the hard power and the soft power. The soft power，which is composed by a variety of elements，is values and thinking in essence. Since think tanks play a significant role of “thinking enterprises” to process “thinking products”，top decision makers in China have made up their mind to upgrade the “think tank building with Chinese characteristics” to the national strategic level，making it an important component of the soft power of China. Having obtained considerable Achievements，Chinese think tank researches on Africa embraced an unprecedented opportunity of rapid development in recent years. However，it is incapable to satisfy various practical demands due to its current Achievements still lag far behind the rapid development of Sino-Africa relations. Problems from the “macro-environment” such as political system，the backward research management mechanism of research institutes，and scholars’ deflection in understanding or their inability in research skills are among the main reasons that give rise to this situation. Additionally，bureaucratic barriers of relevant governmental organs such as nonfeasance or misconducts should also be held accountable. Frankly speaking，being frustrated by obstacles and difficulties which domestic research institutes are unable to properly handle in a short time，the current development and future outlook of Chinese think tank building and researches on Africa are far from being optimistic. Even for domestic research institutes，their own chronic defects are severe challenges yet to be dealt with. The ideal Chinese think tank researches on Africa should play the multiple roles of “a lookout” to support China to “go inside Africa” and to focus on changes of internal and external environment regarding its activities in Africa；“an adviser” on China’s presence and interest in Africa；“a designer” on China’s strategy and tactics regarding Africa and its international relations with African countries；and “a watchdog” to guarantee a healthy，stable and sustainable development of Sino-Africa cooperation relations.