Happy new year! On Jan 7, 2026, China's foreign minister Wang Yi kicked off his first trip of the year in Africa, marking a 36-year tradition. But why does China always start here? 🌍
Tradition Anchored in Results
From Jan 7 to 12, Wang Yi is touring Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, and Lesotho. He'll also launch the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges at the African Union HQ in Addis Ababa, celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties in 2026.
Here's why this tradition packs a punch:
- Infrastructure wins: Chinese firms have built or upgraded over 10,000 km of railways, 100,000 km of roads, 1,000 bridges, and 100 ports across Africa—boosting connectivity from Dar es Salaam to Djibouti. 🚆
- Trade leap: From Jan to Nov 2025, trade between China and African countries topped $300 billion, with China as Africa's biggest partner for 16 years straight. 📈
- Zero tariffs: Since Dec 1, 2024, China removed import taxes on all goods from 33 least-developed African nations, then extended that to 53 countries in June 2025—opening doors for local exporters. 🎉
Shaping Global Governance
Africa's first G20 summit in 2025 and the joint "Initiative on Cooperation Supporting Modernization in Africa" with South Africa show how China and African nations are teaming up for a fairer global system. 🤝
What's on the 2026 Calendar?
With the 70th anniversary of China-Africa ties and the Year of People-to-People Exchanges, expect events galore: the 18th FOCAC Senior Officials' Meeting, cultural festivals, tech hackathons, youth forums, and green-development workshops—geared toward youth, women, media, and think tanks. 🚀
As Paul Zilungisele Tembe of South Africa's SELE Encounters says: "People-to-people exchanges spark real understanding. When we know each other, we build shared dreams."
Keep an eye on Africa-Asia connections in 2026—this enduring tradition reminds us how diplomacy can bring continents together. ✌️
Reference(s):
Why Africa has been Chinese FM's first annual trip for over 3 decades
cgtn.com
