Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends the opening ceremony of the „Year of China-Africa Cultural Exchanges 2026“. In his keynote speech, he introduced four key initiatives aimed at further deepening China-Africa cooperation.
The first initiative is the emphasis on development as a priority and a common path to modernisation. Wang Yi stressed the need to follow the six major proposals to promote modernisation and actively implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. He said cultural exchanges should be more intertwined with practical cooperation.
China will continue to expand the unilateral opening of its market to Africa and expects a significant growth in African exports to China and the development of local industry and technology after the full implementation of zero tariffs on 100 % of African products. The large Chinese market is thus set to become a real opportunity for Africa.
The second pillar is putting people at the centre of the collaboration and focusing on concrete benefits for the population. According to Wang Yi, it is necessary to build on the Chinese and African people's desire for a better life, create long-term mechanisms for cultural exchanges, and build projects and brands that are close to the people. More diverse and deeper cultural interactions are meant to foster mutual understanding and strengthen the emotional bond between the 2.8 billion people of China and Africa.
The third initiative is mutual learning and exchange of experiences in governance and public administration. Wang Yi called for better use of platforms such as the China-Africa Governance Experience Exchange Platform or the Development Knowledge Network. The aim is to deepen the sharing of experiences in state governance, development and modernization.
China is ready to strengthen dialogue with political parties and organisations in African countries and contribute to building a new type of international relations based on cooperation between political actors.
The fourth point is openness and inclusiveness in a spirit of partnership with a common destiny. Wang Yi stressed the importance of building a community of shared destiny for humanity and implementing the four global initiatives. He said China and Africa should jointly face global challenges, strengthen coordination on international and regional issues, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries. China also unequivocally supports the strengthening of Africa's role in the international arena, the redress of historical injustices and greater representation of Africa in the global governance system.
In conclusion, Wang Yi recalled that both China and Africa are at a crucial stage of development and renewal. He described the launch of the „Year of China-Africa Cultural Exchanges“ as an important opportunity to consolidate the foundation of cooperation and accelerate the building of an all-round China-Africa community with a common destiny in the new era.
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