For the 36th consecutive year, Africa is the first overseas stop for China's foreign minister 🌍.
From January 7 to 12, 2026, Wang Yi – Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister – will travel to Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Lesotho. His journey begins at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa with the launch of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges 🤝.
Building Bridges and Beyond
Since FOCAC kicked off in 2000, Chinese enterprises have helped African nations build or upgrade:
- 10,000+ km of railways 🚄
- Nearly 100,000 km of roads 🛣️
- Almost 1,000 bridges 🌉
- Around 100 ports ⚓
These mega-projects have fueled infrastructure modernization and boosted continental connectivity.
Trade on the Rise
From January to November 2025, China-Africa trade surpassed $300 billion – a record high and marking 16 years with China as Africa's top trading partner 💼. The trade mix is also diversifying into manufacturing, digital tech and green industries.
To spur development, the Chinese mainland has offered zero-tariff treatment on all tariff lines since December 1, 2024, benefiting 33 least developed African nations. In June 2025, this policy expanded to cover 53 African countries, opening fresh growth opportunities.
A Voice on the World Stage
Against a backdrop of global shifts, China and Africa are boosting their influence on global governance. A major milestone came in 2025 when Africa hosted its first G20 summit. There, China and South Africa launched the Initiative on Cooperation Supporting Modernization in Africa.
2026: A Year to Connect
Marking 70 years of diplomatic ties, China and Africa will host the 18th FOCAC Senior Officials' Meeting and roll out a full calendar of people-to-people events in education, culture, sports, tech and more. Youth, women's groups, media and think tanks will drive the exchanges.
Paul Zilungisele Tembe, founder of South Africa's SELE Encounters Cross-Civilization platform, calls 2026 more than a celebration – it's a chance to deepen connections. When people truly know each other, they can build shared goals and spark real change.
Reference(s):
Why Africa has been Chinese FM's first annual trip for over 3 decades
cgtn.com
