Chinese President Xi Jinping has highlighted the essential role of people-to-people exchanges in enhancing China-Africa relations, calling them a crucial foundation for fostering friendship, mutual understanding, and solidarity among Global South nations.
Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory letter addressed to the opening ceremony of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, an initiative launched to coincide with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries.
In his message, Xi stated that the decision to launch this year of exchanges reflects a significant consensus among leaders from both sides and represents an important step in building public support for China-Africa friendship at this new historical juncture.
He emphasized that exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations serve as an inexhaustible force for human progress, peace, and development. Xi pointed out that the rich civilizations of China and Africa have mutually enriched one another for thousands of years, creating the historical and intellectual foundation for enduring ties.
Xi urged both sides to seize the opportunity presented by the year of exchanges, calling for the reinforcement of their traditional friendship, enhanced civilizational dialogue, increased people-to-people interactions-especially among youth-and deeper exchanges in governance experience as they collectively pursue modernization.
Through these efforts, Xi noted, China and Africa can strengthen their bonds among over 2.8 billion people, pool their collective strengths, and contribute to Global South solidarity in addressing global challenges, promoting shared human values, and building a community with a shared future for humanity.
Xi’s message was met with enthusiasm from African leaders, officials, and experts at the opening ceremony, who expressed that the letter reflects China’s long-term commitment to Africa and provides hope amid global uncertainties.
Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie remarked that the letter conveyed “a sense of brotherly unity,” highlighting its particularly precious spirit in today’s world.
“This message makes us feel deeply, and it shows that there is still hope for humanity,” he stated.
Mohamed El-Amine Souef, Chief of Staff of the African Union Commission, noted that Xi’s letter sends a strong signal that Africa can count on China as a reliable partner, adding that the message was warmly welcomed by the AU Commission.
A recent statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlines several programs to be jointly conducted by both sides in 2026 to fulfill their development aspirations.
The 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges will introduce a comprehensive initiative package aimed at deepening mutual understanding, strengthening social bonds, and injecting new momentum into the China-Africa partnership. Focused on youth empowerment, cultural dialogue, livelihood improvement, intellectual exchange, and talent development, the planned activities seek to translate high-level cooperation into tangible benefits for communities on both sides.
Special attention will be given to engaging young people through festivals, leadership dialogues, innovation and entrepreneurship competitions, sports, arts, and technology-focused exchanges, nurturing a new generation of ambassadors for China-Africa friendship.
Cultural and people-centered cooperation will expand through diverse initiatives encompassing tourism, media, film, fashion, traditional arts, and civilizational dialogue, along with joint performances and exhibitions that celebrate the shared heritage and diversity of Chinese and African civilizations.
At the same time, practical cooperation will concentrate on improving livelihoods through poverty reduction forums, public health initiatives, agricultural and tropical disease programs, and experience-sharing on rural revitalization and development. A series of high-level dialogues, academic forums, media and think tank exchanges, vocational training programs, and initiatives for women and youth entrepreneurship will bolster capacity building, governance learning, and talent incubation.
Together, these initiatives aim to strengthen public support for China-Africa cooperation, enhance Global South solidarity, and contribute to the shared pursuit of modernization and a common future.
