Opening of the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges: Xi Jinping’s Message Boosts Confidence in a Stronger Partnership

Kathmandu/Beijing — The opening ceremony of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges was held on Thursday. At the event, African officials and experts said that the congratulatory message from Chinese President Xi Jinping reflects a strong commitment to further strengthening China–Africa relations and deepening mutual understanding.

In his message, President Xi noted that organizing the Year of People-to-People Exchanges on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa represents an important consensus reached by leaders on both sides. He said this marks a significant step toward further consolidating public support for China–Africa friendship at a new historical starting point.

Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie said that Xi Jinping’s message gave him “a deep sense of brotherhood and unity.” “In today’s global context, such a spirit is extremely valuable,” he said. “President Xi’s message has touched us deeply, and it gives us confidence that there is still hope in the world today.”

Mohamed El-Amine Souef, Chief of Staff of the African Union (AU) Commission, also said that Xi’s message delivers a strong signal to Africa and African leaders. “It clearly shows that we can rely on China and work closely with China,” he said, adding that the AU Commission has warmly welcomed the message.

South African political analyst Sandile Swana said he was deeply impressed by the reference in Xi’s message to the thousands of years of mutual enrichment between Chinese and African civilizations. “Civilizations become more vibrant through exchanges. When different cultures learn from and integrate with one another, they generate new vitality for long-term development,” he said. According to Swana, strengthening dialogue among civilizations can help overcome prejudice, broaden mutual understanding, and inject ideological momentum into China–Africa cooperation.

Experts said they strongly resonate with President Xi’s call to further strengthen bonds among the more than 2.8 billion people of China and Africa and to reinforce Global South solidarity in addressing global challenges. They noted that China–Africa cooperation is playing an increasingly important role in promoting shared human values and building a community with a shared future for humanity.

Kenyan scholar of international relations Adhere Cavince said the true strength of the China–Africa partnership lies in the emotional bonds between the peoples of both sides. “The deep emotional ties between the Chinese and African peoples are the vitality, resilience, and driving force of the China–Africa partnership,” he said, adding that people-to-people exchanges further strengthen the comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two sides.

Rwandan political analyst Jean-Baptiste Gasominari said that China–Africa cooperation has helped Africa achieve significant progress in poverty reduction, food security, industrialization, and sustainable development. “The four major global initiatives proposed by President Xi have jointly created a comprehensive framework for advancing China–Africa relations in a complex and rapidly changing international environment,” he said.

Gasominari also expressed confidence that the Year of People-to-People Exchanges would have a profound long-term impact, particularly on African youth. By fostering cultural skills, innovation, and a global outlook, he said, it would help young people become confident contributors to national and continental development.

Habibou Dia, Director of Communication at Senegal’s Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Technology, said that strengthening China–Africa people-to-people exchanges is a key catalyst for promoting unity and cooperation among Global South countries. He added that through the exchange of governance experience and key technologies, China and Africa are continuously enhancing the Global South’s capacity to shape its own development paths.

Angolan international relations expert Juvenal Quicassa said that after reading President Xi’s message, he believes China–Africa cooperation plays a decisive role in advancing the rise of the Global South in today’s international landscape. According to him, China–Africa relations demonstrate that cooperation can be built on the basis of mutual respect and shared benefits, providing inspiration for other Global South countries and helping to foster a more balanced and inclusive international order over the long term.