Pretoria | Addis Ababa | Africa-China. The phenomenal and unprecedented development of the People's Republic of China has at its core a simple but profound principle, the people. China's modernization journey, led by the collective mandate of the Communist Party of China (CPC), has consistently placed the welfare, aspirations and collective consensus of the people at the centre of governance and development. As Africa pursues its own agenda of integration and transformation, the continent is increasingly realizing the parallel truth that its greatest assets are its people, its youthful dynamism and the untapped value of its ancient civilizations. It is against the backdrop of this philosophical and developmental convergence that the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges was formally launched, marking a new and deeper phase in China-Africa relations, a phase that places human connection at the forefront as the foundation of a sustainable partnership.
Opening in Pretoria: Milestone Opening
The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Pretoria held a ceremony to launch a people-to-people exchange mechanism. The event reflected the close ties and deep partnerships that have developed over decades, while recognising the dynamism of Africa's continental integration and China's continued opening to the world. Hospitality, trade and travel were highlighted as central pillars of the Year of Exchanges. These sectors are not just economic activities; they are channels of first contact, cultural understanding and trust building between societies. As Africa becomes better connected and China continues to expand access to its vast market, people-to-people exchanges are emerging as both a bridge of soft power and a tangible engine of shared prosperity.
Trade facilitation and shared growth
Ambassador Wu Peng reaffirmed China's commitment to extend duty-free treatment for African goods entering the Chinese market for countries that maintain diplomatic relations with the PRC. He noted that negotiations with the South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) are at an advanced stage and a comprehensive framework is expected to be finalised soon. This initiative is a practical manifestation of China's support for industrialisation, value addition and export diversification in Africa. By lowering barriers and promoting Africa's participation in global value chains, the duty-free regime complements the people-to-people framework by ensuring that human exchanges are accompanied by inclusive economic opportunities.
Chinese New Year diplomacy and continental engagement
China's New Year diplomacy in Africa continues a 36-year tradition. In January, Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Tanzania, Lesotho, and Ethiopia and emphasized the centrality of Africa in China's foreign policy. On January 8, Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the opening of people-to-people exchanges at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa on the continent, coinciding with the ninth China-AU Strategic Dialogue. There, he met with AU Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and reaffirmed China's commitment to multilateral cooperation with Africa as a unified and strategic partner. The AU platform provided a suitable continental stage and strengthened the alignment between the framework of China-Africa cooperation and Africa's own vision of Agenda 2063, which is based on integration, people-led development and cultural renaissance.
Hospitality, tourism and first encounters between peoples
In Pretoria, Victor Vele, Director-General of the South African Department of Tourism, made insightful remarks on the catalytic role of hospitality, travel and tourism. He stressed that these sectors create interconnected value chains that generate jobs, stimulate local economies and often serve as the first meeting point between nations. Artists, athletes, business leaders, students and ordinary families need a range of services - transport, accommodation, cultural experiences and leisure activities. Importantly, such interactions often go beyond leisure and open pathways to business partnerships, investment opportunities and long-term business relationships. In this sense, tourism becomes both an economic engine and a platform for mutual discovery.
Inclusive Exchanges: women, youth and the most vulnerable
The strength of the mechanism of interpersonal exchange is its inclusive ethos. In her message, Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike of the South African Presidency, responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, emphasised the importance of uplifting, recognising and valuing the skills and leadership of women. She stressed the need for strong youth engagement and noted that Africa's demographic dividend and China's innovation-driven development offer fertile ground for intergenerational learning, skills transfer and shared creativity. Equally important was her emphasis on the inclusion of vulnerable groups, persons with disabilities, persons living with health problems, the elderly and the sick, whose participation adds moral depth and social value to interpersonal exchanges. Deputy Minister Letsike reflected on 70 years of Sino-African relations and described them as a comprehensive partnership based on solidarity, mutual respect and enduring ties between nations, not just between governments.
A people-centred mandate
President Xi Jinping's leadership and the Chinese Communist Party's enduring mandate have consistently emphasised a people-centred development philosophy. Since its inception, the CCP has prioritized collective consensus, health and well-being, education, inspiration and social cohesion, recognizing that development must include not only material progress but also joy, dignity and hope. This holistic approach, which balances economic growth with cultural self-reliance and human fulfilment, resonates deeply with the rediscovery of Africa's civilisational heritage. As the cradle of humanity, Africa is blessed with extraordinary diversity, indigenous knowledge systems and ancient civilisations whose wisdom remains relevant to contemporary development challenges.
A shared human future
As we look to 2026 and beyond, the People-to-People Exchange Mechanism stands as the cornerstone of a maturing partnership. It signals a shift from transactional collaboration to transformational engagement, where diplomacy is lived through everyday interactions, shared experiences and collective aspirations. By putting people at the centre, China and Africa are reaffirming their shared belief that sustainable development, genuine integration and a shared future for humanity are built through trust, understanding and lasting ties between peoples.
Kirtan Bhana - TDS
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