By Ms. Yan Yuqing
On January 8, 2026, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the launching ceremony of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges held at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.
The congratulatory letter elaborated on the significance of mutual learning among civilizations in advancing modernization for China and Africa and outlined the direction and principles of China-Africa people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, which fully demonstrated deep reflections on human history and civilization and provided important guidance for building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.
China-Africa relations boast a long history, and the China-Africa traditional friendship has grown stronger over time. The ancient Silk Road and the magnificent expeditions of Zheng He enabled the two sides to get to know each other, while their shared struggle for national liberation and state independence in modern times forged a brotherly bond.
Today, their active exploration for development and revitalization has deepened the bond of a community with a shared future. In recent years, under the joint guidance of leaders on both sides, China-Africa people-to-people exchanges have flourished and delivered fruitful results, brimming with vitality.
It is gratifying to see that the people of China and Africa are growing ever closer, China-Africa cooperation is expanding in scope, and the friendship between China and Africa is deepening. Facts have shown that people-to-people exchanges form the most solid foundation of China-Africa friendship, while mutual learning among civilizations serves as the strongest driving force for China-Africa cooperation.
The world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, with major historical shifts taking place in the international landscape. The Global South, represented by China and Africa, is developing and rising irresistibly. Meanwhile, the world remains far from peaceful.
The law of the jungle runs counter to international law and the basic norms of international relations, while power politics and acts of bullying infringe on the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries. In the face of a turbulent world, China and Africa more than ever need to uphold fairness and justice, strengthen solidarity and mutual support, and enhance exchanges and cooperation.
The year of 2025 is significant in the development of China-Nigeria relations. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Bola Tinubu, the China-Nigeria Comprehensive Strategic Partnership keeps advancing with various highlights in our people-to-people exchanges.
The charity projects organized by the Chinese Consulate General in Lagos as well as Chinese enterprises, schools and communities in the consular district, such as Renewed Hope – Rebirth from the Light, Together Fight Against Hunger, have helped over 400 cataract patients and over 1000 low-income families in Nigeria, making tangible contribution to Nigeria’s poverty reduction and hunger eradication efforts.
The second Window to China library at the University of Port Harcourt was established. The Festac branch of AiFei Chinese School was unveiled. Students from the Confucius Institutes at the University of Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe University achieved excellent results in international Chinese language competitions. Cultural activities including Nigerian National Wushu Championship, Ogun State Primary and Secondary School Knowledge Competition and the campus tour by Huaxing Arts Troupe enjoyed broad popularity.
Huaxing Arts Troupe has not only demonstrated Chinese traditional art forms like lion dance and waist drum, but also integrated them with Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa folk dance. All of these are important windows for cultural exchanges and mutual learning between China and Nigeria, driving more and more youngsters to personally participate and become envoys of China-Nigeria friendship.
Ms. Yan Yuqing is the Chinese Consul General in Lagos
