At a time of growing global uncertainty and pressure on multilateral cooperation, African countries have welcomed the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges as a strategic step toward solidifying long-term China-Africa relations through deeper societal engagement.

The initiative was jointly agreed upon by China and African countries as part of commemorations marking the 70th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between China and African countries, with 2026 designated as a yearlong program of exchanges in various areas such as education, culture, media, youth engagement and skills development aimed at strengthening mutual understanding.

It was formally launched at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Jan 8, during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to the country, continuing China's tradition of designating Africa as the first overseas destination for its foreign minister at the start of each year. The 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges has been launched in other African countries, such as Egypt, South Africa and Senegal, since then.

Paul Frimpong, founder and executive director of the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory, said the Africa-first diplomatic tradition, now in its 36th consecutive year, reflects the depth and consistency of China-Africa relations rather than symbolic diplomacy, adding that people-to-people exchanges represent a deliberate broadening of the partnership.

Social connection

"For decades, China-Africa cooperation focused primarily on infrastructure, trade, and macro-level development — areas that remain essential," he said. "As both sides pursue modernization, there is growing recognition that sustainable partnerships must be rooted in social connections: among students, young professionals, civil servants, artists, journalists, and entrepreneurs. Scholarships, vocational training, media exchanges, cultural festivals, and youth innovation programs are no longer peripheral; they are central to building long-term trust."

He said China-Africa relations are rooted in shared experiences, particularly struggles against colonialism and the pursuit of sovereignty.

"These early bonds matured into a development-oriented partnership," Frimpong said, citing landmark projects such as the Tanzania-Zambia Railway and the expansion of cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, trade and industrialization.

Launching the initiative at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa carried strong symbolism, Frimpong said, noting that the city represents African unity and continental diplomacy. "It signaled that the next phase of China-Africa relations will be as much about societies as it is about states," he said.

Bongani Mayimele, director of international relations and partnerships at South Africa's National School of Government, said dedicating a full year to people-to-people exchanges is especially relevant at a time when multilateralism faces growing pressure globally.

"Cultural exchange promotes mutual understanding, friendship and peaceful coexistence between China and Africa," Mayimele said, adding that direct engagement helps counter misinformation and build transparency. He was speaking at the launch ceremony of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges in Pretoria, South Africa, on Monday.

Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, South Africa's deputy minister in the presidency responsible for women, youth and persons with disabilities, said people-to-people exchanges continue to "fuel the vitality" of Sino-African relations.

She said the South African government appreciates China's commitment to solidarity and cooperation with African countries, which she described as a cornerstone of China's foreign policy.

Ndumiso Mlilo in Johannesburg contributed to this story.

sharon@chinadailyafrica.com