In January 2026, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi kicked off his 36th consecutive annual tour of Africa, aligning with the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic ties and the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. 🌍✈️
Prof Wang Jingjie from Peking University notes that this year’s itinerary balances high-level talks at the African Union with focused stops in key East African states, signalling long-term support for regional integration and stability — not just one-off deals.
One standout moment: the unveiling of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges at AU headquarters. Lesotho’s Ambassador to China, Mapaballo Mile, calls it a ‘game-changer’ for cultural, educational, youth and community partnerships. 🎓🤝💡
For young pros and students across South and Southeast Asia eyeing opportunities in African hubs, this means more scholarships, internships and startup collaborations — all aimed at building skills and trust on the ground.
In Ethiopia and Tanzania, the tour shifted focus from big-ticket projects to integrated development. Prof Wang highlights digital economy deals, green energy and capacity-building as the new frontier. The upcoming upgrade of the TAZARA railway is a perfect example of infrastructure empowering wider trade and industrial zones.
Meanwhile, in Lesotho, Ambassador Mile says timely Chinese support is easing pressure from recent US tariffs, boosting renewable energy, digital connectivity and healthcare — from Maseru District Hospital upgrades to future cancer treatment centres.
Amid rising global tensions, both experts stress that multilateralism is more than a buzzword. Ambassador Mile warns against ‘law-of-the-jungle’ policies, and welcomes China’s Global Governance Initiative for promoting sovereignty, non-interference and fair rules.
Looking ahead, Prof Wang and Ambassador Mile agree that China-Africa ties are heading into a phase of high-quality cooperation, with a focus on sustainable investment, industry upgrading, digital innovation and youth empowerment. 🌱🚀
Reference(s):
Wang Yi's Africa visit reinforces strategic trust and multilateralism
cgtn.com
