The China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges for 2026 was officially launched on January 8 at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. This initiative marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Africa. It aims to strengthen social, educational, and cultural ties across the continent.
The China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges was formally launched on January 8, 2026, at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The event took place in the presence of Ethiopian officials including President Taye Atske Selassie, AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, and Republic of Congo Foreign Minister Jean-Claude Gakosso. This launch coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and African nations, underscoring Beijing's longstanding practice of initiating its annual diplomatic engagements on the continent.
Wang Yi's visit to Addis Ababa marks the beginning of a four-nation tour spanning Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, and Lesotho from January 7 to 12. According to China's foreign ministry, the trip seeks to enhance political mutual trust, implement commitments from the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, and provide fresh momentum for constructing a high-quality China-Africa community with a shared future.
Key initiatives under the Year of People-to-People Exchanges include expanding quotas for scholarships, simplifying procedures for cultural exchange visas, and introducing a pilot fast-track business travel corridor for African entrepreneurs participating in trade fairs and expositions in China. While specific visa details remain forthcoming, officials suggest these corridors will resemble the 15-day fast-track program trialed with ASEAN countries in 2025. The effort aims to foster deeper social, educational, and cultural connections between China and African countries throughout the year.
