China-Africa relations in 2026

The year 2026 has been designated the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, coinciding with two major milestones: the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations and the opening year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan. Together, these developments mark a defining moment in the evolution of China-Africa cooperation.

Zhu Yaxiong, associate professor at Zhejiang Normal University; Eric Mupona, Vice chairman of the China-Zimbabwe Exchange Center and Olivier Mendo’o, Head of the African Youth Delegation in China explore what lies ahead.

People-to-people exchanges as a strategic pillar

Professor Zhu Yaxiong emphasized that the People-to-People Exchange Year is not symbolic, but strategic.

"This designation represents a timely initiative that creates powerful synergies with the goals of China's 15th Five-Year Plan and the next phase of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation," He said.

He noted that flagship programs such as young leaders' initiatives, cultural exchanges, livelihood projects, talent incubators, and think-tank dialogues will help strengthen human capital, which is an essential foundation for high-quality development.

"Soft connectivity between people complements the hard connectivity built through infrastructure. With deeper understanding, we can also reduce risks that arise from misunderstanding," Professor Zhu added.

Development experience meets African realities

Speaking on industrialization and modernization, Olivier Mendo'o stressed that China's development experience should be viewed as inspiration.

"China's 15th Five-Year Plan is not a model to copy and paste. It is a playbook of principles Africa can adapt to its own realities," he explained.

He highlighted infrastructure-led industrial sequencing, green industrial parks, and digital transformation as key areas of convergence. At the same time, Africa offers China growing consumer markets, demographic vitality, and innovation opportunities.

"Africa is not just a partner. It is a strategic demographic and innovation partner that can strengthen China's economic resilience," Mendo'o said.

Youth and innovation at the center

Youth engagement emerged as a recurring theme. Drawing from his experience, Eric Mupona pointed to platforms such as the China-Africa Youth Forum on Innovation and Entrepreneurship and corporate-led programs like Huawei's Seeds for the Future.

"What we are seeing is double exposure. African youth are gaining access to Chinese technologies, and Chinese youth are learning about African markets," he said.

With more than 60 percent of Africa's population under 25, Mupona emphasized the urgency of digital skills development.

"By 2030, over 230 million jobs in Africa will require digital skills. Governments and companies must work together to create enabling environments for young entrepreneurs."

Media exchange and youth responsibility

On media and intellectual exchanges, Professor Zhu acknowledged progress but identified gaps.

"Many African youth still rely on Western media for information about China. We need stronger African media engagement, joint content creation, and better use of digital platforms."

Both Mendo'o and Mupona underscored the responsibility of young scholars and practitioners. Mupona, one of the 61 young sinologists who received a reply from President Xi Jinping, shared a personal reflection:

"President Xi encouraged us to become bridges of civilizational dialogue. That is a responsibility we take seriously."

Mendo'o echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of African agency.

"African youth are shaping China-Africa relations, and that perspective must be better represented."