By Nkechi Eze
Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister and a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, has reaffirmed Beijing’s long-standing commitment to strengthening ties with African nations, describing China–Africa relations as a partnership built on decades of solidarity, cooperation and shared development.
Speaking during a press conference on March 8, 2026, Wang said the friendship between China and Africa has endured for more than 70 years, surviving shifts in global politics while continuing to grow stronger.
He highlighted a long-standing diplomatic tradition in which China’s foreign ministers begin each year with a visit to Africa, a practice that has been sustained for 36 consecutive years. According to him, the tradition reflects the consistency and strategic importance China places on its relationship with the continent.
Recounting historical moments that shaped the relationship, Wang referred to the visits of former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai to Africa, which he said left a lasting impression on many African communities.
He also recalled China’s support for the construction of the historic Tanzania–Zambia Railway (TAZARA), noting that the project symbolised deep cooperation and sacrifice, with many young Chinese engineers and workers contributing their efforts and, in some cases, their lives to the development of the railway.
According to Wang, these shared experiences helped cement a friendship that has been built “heart to heart” over generations.
Looking ahead, he said China remains committed to deepening cooperation with Africa under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who continues to emphasise sincerity, mutual benefit and good faith in relations with African partners.
Wang noted that President Xi has demonstrated this commitment through several recent engagements with African leaders and institutions. In the early months of 2026 alone, the Chinese leader sent congratulatory messages marking the launch of the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, responded to veterans of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, and conveyed greetings to the African Union Summit for the fourteenth consecutive year.
He said these gestures underline China’s determination to maintain long-term solidarity with African countries and to support the continent’s development and revitalisation.
The Chinese foreign minister also outlined several initiatives expected to shape China–Africa relations in 2026.
According to him, Beijing plans to host a number of African leaders during the year as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and advance the vision of a China–Africa community with a shared future.
He also announced that China will implement a zero-tariff policy on 100 percent of imports from African countries beginning May 1, a move aimed at boosting trade and allowing African economies to benefit more fully from access to the Chinese market.
In addition, nearly 600 cultural, educational and people-focused activities are scheduled to take place under the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. The initiative is designed to deepen cultural understanding, strengthen ties between citizens and promote long-term cooperation between the two sides.
Wang emphasised that China remains committed to working closely with African countries to strengthen development partnerships, expand economic opportunities and preserve the spirit of friendship that has defined their relationship for generations.
