China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges Highlights Urban Collaboration
As the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges progresses, city leaders from various African nations have emphasized the significant role that local government cooperation plays in enhancing the relationship between China and Africa. They have pointed out that exchanges between people, especially among the youth, are crucial for fostering long-lasting friendships between the two regions. These insights were shared during the 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue held in Beijing, under the theme "Enhance Cultural Exchange and Mutual Learning; Inherit the Time-Honored Friendship Between China and Africa." The event served as a platform for city leaders from Africa to explore collaborative opportunities and pursue mutual modernization efforts.
El Hadji Saer Faye, the deputy mayor of Ziguinchor, Senegal, articulated the vital importance of local governments in driving China-Africa partnerships. He stated that local authorities should act as ambassadors of the enduring friendship between the two regions, as they are the frontline representatives where citizens can witness the tangible benefits of such collaboration in their everyday lives. Faye highlighted that African cities could greatly benefit from China's expertise in various sectors, including urban planning, transportation systems, industrial development, and poverty alleviation initiatives. Conversely, he noted that Chinese cities could gain insights from Africa's experience in fostering community resilience, social cohesion, and local innovations.
According to the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, as of April, there are 187 sister-city relationships established between China and African countries. Josy Michaud-Payet, the mayor of Victoria in Seychelles, shared her city's success in forming sister-city ties with numerous Chinese cities, presenting it as a testament to the benefits these relationships bring. She stated, "City-level connections create a vast platform for small countries like us to benefit from exchanges of all the experiences from cities around the world." Michaud-Payet further elaborated that Seychelles has reaped substantial benefits from China in the realms of infrastructure, culture, and education.
Khalid El Fataoui, a member of the Marrakech city council and head of international cooperation, referenced the two-decade-long friendship between Marrakech and Ningbo in Zhejiang province as a prime example of how city-to-city cooperation can enhance China-Africa relations. He emphasized that such cooperation ensures that agreements made at the national level are effectively translated into local actions. Additionally, city-level exchanges foster mutual learning and assist in addressing practical challenges related to transportation and sustainable development.
Beyond formal government collaborations, El Fataoui stressed the importance of fostering people-to-people connections and cultural exchanges. He identified language barriers as a significant impediment to communication between Chinese and African individuals, advocating for increased efforts to promote language learning on both sides. He also called for more frequent exchanges among universities and youth to strengthen these ties. As reported by the Confucius Institute, Africa was home to 67 Confucius Institutes by the end of 2023, while Chinese universities offer language programs in over 20 native African languages, thereby enhancing linguistic and cultural understanding.
This year, designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, prioritizes the strengthening of mutual learning among civilizations, the expansion of people-to-people exchanges, particularly among young individuals, and the deepening of governance experience exchanges. As reported by global.chinadaily.com.cn.
