Human connections nurture long-term links with Africa

Over the past seven decades, China-Africa relations have expanded significantly, driven by growing trade, major infrastructure investments and closer diplomatic engagement. Platforms such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation have played a key role in formalizing and guiding this partnership, creating mechanisms for sustained economic and political collaboration. Building on this foundation, it is now time to further strengthen China-Africa people-to-people exchanges.

Such exchanges represent a strategic shift toward a more people-centered relationship, recognizing that sustainable China-Africa relations require more than infrastructure, trade and investment; they also need strong social and cultural connections. This is closely aligned with the African Union's Agenda 2063, which emphasizes cultural renaissance, youth empowerment and knowledge exchange as drivers of long-term development.

Direct interactions between African and Chinese people build mutual trust, deepen understanding of each other's cultures, values and perspectives, and challenge stereotypes. These exchanges enhance academic and scientific collaboration, as universities and research institutions work together through joint studies, knowledge sharing and capacity-building initiatives.

These interactions also promote entrepreneurship, tourism and creative industries, generating new economic opportunities. Ultimately, they foster human connections that support long-term partnerships. From advancing the China-Africa Vocational Education Cooperation Plan to establishing 17 Luban Workshops in 15 African countries, China has helped train tens of thousands of skilled professionals, providing solid intellectual support for Africa's development.

In addition, China has signed bilateral tourism cooperation agreements with over 30 African countries, increasing the number of African destinations for Chinese tourist groups to 34.

At the 2024 FOCAC summit in Beijing, it was announced that China and Africa had agreed to designate 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Following this commitment, the Chinese government released the "Concept Paper of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges" in June 2025, highlighting the central role of the amicable ties between the people of both sides in strengthening bilateral relations. Throughout the year, China and Africa will organize nearly 600 activities across both sides, focusing on areas including education, technology transfer, youth exchanges, tourism and trade, and aligning people-to-people engagement with broader long-term development priorities.

As part of these efforts, Ethiopia and China are actively strengthening people-to-people exchanges, recognizing that education, cultural engagement, media collaboration and youth programs are essential to building a resilient China-Africa community.

Ethiopian viewers now have access to a variety of Chinese television content — including dramas, documentaries and animation. In addition, the China Film Festival, held at Addis Ababa University from March 6 to 28, provided a platform to deepen Ethiopian understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture.

Ultimately, resilient China-Africa people-to-people exchanges will be built not only by governments but also by students, artists, scholars, entrepreneurs and travelers whose cross-cultural connections create enduring bridges for sustainable, inclusive and mutually beneficial relations. Long-term alumni networks further strengthen diplomatic, business and policy collaboration. It is expected that both sides will assess the initiative's impact using quantitative indicators such as exchange programs, scholarships, cultural events, joint research projects, student mobility and academic partnerships, along with qualitative measures such as surveys on public perception.

Despite significant progress in China-Africa people-to-people exchanges over the past decades, practical barriers continue to limit these interactions.

First, language remains a challenge. Strengthening Mandarin proficiency in Africa and establishing African studies institutes in China are essential to bridging this gap.

Second, visa and mobility challenges — such as complex application processes, high fees, lengthy processing times and limited categories for researchers and cultural practitioners — further restrict travel.

Third, problems with travel and accommodation logistics, including online booking difficulties and the lack of integrated digital platforms, impede exchanges. Gaps in digital infrastructure — such as limited internet access and SIM card availability, and incompatible banking systems — further affect communication and the overall travel experience.

To address these challenges, both sides can expand language education by strengthening Mandarin programs in Africa, promoting African studies in China and supporting language exchange initiatives. Visa procedures should be simplified through digital applications, reduced fees for selected applicants and multi-entry visas for students, researchers, academics and entrepreneurs. Travel and digital infrastructure should be improved with integrated online booking platforms, reliable internet access, easy SIM card acquisition and accessible digital payment systems.

Deepening China-Africa connections requires a strategic, multidimensional approach that integrates education, culture, digital innovation and community engagement. Institutionalized scholarships, joint degree programs, visiting scholar exchanges, collaborative research and long-term academic, artistic and professional exchanges provide a strong foundation, while digital platforms enable virtual conferences, online cultural events and digital storytelling. Media cooperation through journalism partnerships, documentaries and forums fosters balanced narratives and cross-cultural understanding.

At the grassroots level, cultural festivals, artistic collaborations, sports exchanges and youth programs strengthen interpersonal ties. Key sectors for engagement include education, which drives knowledge production and professional development; culture and the arts, which deepen mutual understanding through film, literature and residencies; tourism, which encourages direct interaction and heritage preservation; youth engagement through leadership programs and innovation competitions; and community groups, which advance grassroots collaboration in public health, environmental protection and social development. Together, these strategies provide a comprehensive framework for sustained, people-centered China-Africa cooperation.

Now is a strategic time to deepen China-Africa people-to-people exchanges. Africa's growing youth population and largely agrarian society are eager for skills development, education and international exposure. Strengthening technology transfer and vocational training creates opportunities for mutual learning, while Africa's cultural industries and tourism sector offer significant potential for economic growth and cross-cultural exchange. At this stage, reinforcing societal and cultural connections is critical, as the future of China-Africa cooperation will increasingly depend on strong people-to-people exchanges, youth engagement and mutual understanding.

China-Africa people-to-people exchanges represent a forward-looking initiative that places human connections at the center of international cooperation. By promoting educational collaboration, cultural dialogue, think tank forums, youth engagement and media partnerships, Africa and China can foster relationships based on mutual respect, understanding and trust. As global challenges become more complex, partnerships must move beyond transactional interactions toward deeper societal engagement, emphasizing mobility, language learning and cultural exchanges.

The author is a communication and publication consultant at the Ethiopian Policy Studies Institute.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.