The 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges officially commenced Thursday at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, marking a significant step in cross-continental cultural diplomacy. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi joined African leaders in calling for strengthened civilizational dialogue between the two regions.
President Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter emphasized that "mutual learning among civilizations" forms the cornerstone of China-Africa modernization efforts. The initiative follows through on commitments made during the 2025 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), with over 200 delegates from 54 African nations attending the launch.
Wang highlighted recent achievements in education and tourism cooperation, noting: "Our cultural exchanges have created 35% more joint research programs since 2023, while African student enrollment in Chinese universities has doubled this decade." The foreign minister stressed the initiative's timing amid global shifts, stating it would counter "hegemonism through shared development."
African leaders welcomed the program as crucial for implementing FOCAC agreements. Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie remarked: "This cultural bridge will deepen our $260 billion trade partnership beyond economics into lasting people-centered connections." The program will prioritize youth exchanges, digital cultural preservation projects, and joint vocational training centers.
With 150 planned events across Africa and the Chinese mainland this year, the initiative aims to build on existing cooperation that has seen 45 African nations join the Belt and Road framework. AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf confirmed plans for reciprocal cultural festivals and expanded air connectivity to support the exchange program.
