China–Africa People-to-People Exchanges Program Launched at AU HQ in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, January 9, 2026 (FMC) – The African Union and China officially launched the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges today at the AU Headquarters, marking a historic milestone in the 70-year diplomatic relationship between the two sides.

High-level dignitaries gathered at the Multi-purpose Hall for the launch of the program, which aims to transcend traditional diplomatic and economic ties by fostering deeper intellectual, cultural, and social engagement among the 2.8 billion citizens of China and the African continent.

The initiative is expected to expand scholarship opportunities, streamline cultural-exchange visas, and pilot a “fast-track” business-travel corridor for African entrepreneurs attending trade fairs in China.

In his opening address, President Taye Atske-Selassie highlighted the cultural alignment between the two regions, noting that African human-centric worldviews, such as Ubuntu, mirror the Confucian virtues of social harmony and empathy. He emphasized that the next decade of cooperation should prioritize the transfer of advanced technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

President Taye further stressed that Africa must move beyond being a mere exporter of raw materials, calling on Chinese partners to support the continent’s green and mineral strategies and its pursuit of technological autonomy.

Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, welcomed the Chinese delegation and described the partnership as a cornerstone for the success of Agenda 2063. He highlighted the strategic depth of the relationship, which spans infrastructure, energy, and the social sector.

Mahmoud noted that in a time of declining multilateralism, Africa–China solidarity serves as a vital safeguard for a balanced global order. He underscored that the voices of nearly three billion people must be considered in international decision-making, ensuring a future grounded in mutual respect rather than domination.

China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, described the initiative as a means to deepen China–Africa friendship among youth and grassroots communities. He traced the historical ties between the two regions back over two millennia to the ancient Silk Road, emphasizing that modern struggles for independence have forged a close bond akin to brotherhood.

Wang Yi outlined a vision for “joint modernization,” where China’s vast market becomes a catalyst for African industrialization through zero-tariff trade and expanded vocational training programs, including initiatives such as the Luban workshops, local news agency ENA reported.