BEIJING, Jan. 12 (China News Service) -- The 2026 "China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges" recently kicked off on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa. Several overseas Chinese in Africa told China News Service that, in the current climate of rising unilateralism and protectionism, people-to-people exchanges help bring people closer together and promote long-term pragmatic cooperation.
Chen Peng, deputy secretary-general of the Ethiopian Association for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China, went to Ethiopia to start a business in 2017. He witnessed the ups and downs of the local business environment and personally experienced the progress of people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa. He said that vocational education cooperation projects such as the "Luban Workshop" are precisely aligned with Ethiopia's development needs, cultivating a large number of local talents who are proficient in Chinese and have skills, which has truly benefited the local people.
In Chen Peng's view, in the face of a complex international public opinion environment, people-to-people exchanges are an effective way to bridge the gap between people and dispel misunderstandings. For many years, Chen Peng and local overseas Chinese communities have provided material support for local youth sports training and competitions. From skills training to sports charity, this diverse exchange between the two peoples has strengthened the bond between them. He looks forward to participating in and witnessing more practical cooperation between the two countries in the fields of culture and education.
As the birthplace of China's new era concept of cooperation with Africa, Tanzania's cooperation with China has consistently ranked among the forefront of China-Africa cooperation. Lin Zehao, an overseas Chinese working in the mining services industry in Tanzania, witnessed the completion and commissioning of the China-Tanzania Industrial Park. He observed a strong interest in China's electronics industry and artificial intelligence technology among the local community. He anticipates that, driven by the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and the joint construction of the "TAZARA Railway Prosperity Belt," China-Tanzania modernization cooperation will present a new look.
In Lesotho, Zhang Yunqin, a member of the Chinese community, has been running a textile factory since 2001. In the early stages of his business, Zhang Yunqin and his team brought their equipment and technology to the local area, providing hands-on training to Lesotho youth and offering them jobs. As skills improved and equipment was upgraded, the factory's production efficiency and quality gradually increased, and now it employs 1,400 local workers, many of whom have started mentoring apprentices.
“I also have students who have returned from studying in China in my factory,” Zhang Yunqin said. Last year, a Confucius Institute focusing on agricultural technology was inaugurated in Lesotho, providing opportunities for young people to receive technical training and explore careers.
Zhang Yunqin also mentioned that China's zero-tariff policy on some products exported to Lesotho and other African countries has given local people confidence.
In Somalia, Cai Banglong, a member of the Chinese community engaged in fishery exports, said that Somalia, deeply troubled by piracy and terrorism, is implementing a national transformation plan. The local Chinese community is paying close attention to China-Somalia security cooperation and economic exchanges. Although Somalia's industrial base is weak, it holds significant investment potential in the energy, agriculture, and fisheries sectors. They hope that the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges will help Somalia move from governance to prosperity. (End)
