Building bridges in uncertain global times

CHINA-AFRICA COOPERATION

- GIDEON H CHITANGA

WHILE other major powers are closing their borders to immigrants, including students and academics who seek academic and professional development opportunities, China and Africa will broaden people-to-people exchanges in 2026 to consolidate strong economic and diplomatic cooperation.

During the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, President Xi Jinping stated that the "foundation and lifeline of China-Africa relations lie with the people. Therefore, the development of our relations should be more people-oriented." He further said that the two sides (Africa and China) agreed to designate 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Accordingly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China has unveiled a concept paper enunciating a major thrust towards consolidating people-to-people diplomacy with Africa.

The China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges will bring together African and Chinese youths and women, paving the way for intercultural learning to foster mutually shared awareness and cooperation. This will allow the mostly marginalised groups to develop relationships and trust at personal and societal levels, promoting peace, cultural diffusion, mutual respect and understanding, which contributes to stronger mutually beneficial international cooperation and development.