From drinking warm water and eating congee to wearing slippers indoors, social media users around the world are embracing everyday Chinese lifestyle habits as part of the viral "Becoming Chinese" trend. Seen through an African lens, what is driving the growing appeal of Chinese culture? And how can China and Africa work together to better promote mutual understanding through cultural exchange? Content creators from China and Africa share their perspectives on how these everyday practices are being adopted, reinterpreted, and woven into cross-cultural dialogue.

In an exclusive interview with CGTN Radio, Douglas Mahiya, a Politburo Member and Secretary for War Veterans of Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU PF party, speaks highly of President Xi Jinping's reply to Zimbabwe's national liberation struggle veterans. Mahiya highlights how the letter reaffirms the enduring bond between China and Zimbabwe. He emphasizes that this legacy continues to inspire collaboration today.

As China and Africa enter the 2026 Year of People-to-People Exchanges, greater emphasis is being placed on cultural, educational, youth, and social engagement. With hundreds of activities planned, the move aims to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the social foundations of China-Africa relations. Erastus Mwencha, former Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, shares how these exchanges align with AU's Agenda 2063.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has continued China's long-standing tradition of beginning the year with a visit to Africa, a practice now in its 36th year. Against a backdrop of growing global uncertainty, the tour highlights China's commitment to deepening strategic trust with African partners and upholding multilateralism. Mapaballo Mile, Lesotho's Ambassador to China and Wang Jinjie, Research Assistant Professor at Peking University's National School of Development shed more light on the broader significance of Wang Yi's visit and the future of this enduring partnership.

Chinese has been formally included in Ghana's national school curriculum. The move comes amid expanding Ghana-China cooperation. As interest in Chinese language learning continues to rise across the continent, what is driving this trend, and what long-term opportunities could it unlock for African students and economies? We speak with Reginald Quartey, Acting Director for Curriculum at Ghana's National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA).

2026 marks the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, a milestone in strengthening mutual understanding between the two sides. The year also celebrates the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries, highlighting decades of friendship and cooperation. Throughout 2026, a series of programs will showcase achievements, promote exchanges, and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

As the 2025 draws to a close, which key moments and milestones have defined the China- Africa relations? Despite the challenges faced in various sectors, how have the relations evolved and what impact has this had? In this episode, Professors Liu Baocheng, Director of Center of International Business Ethics, University of International Business and Economics, and Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Center for China Studies in Nigeria delve into the key moments and milestones that shaped China-Africa relations in 2025.

As we approach the end of 2025, it's a meaningful moment to pause and reflect on how the China-Africa partnership has evolved over the past year. In this special episode, three young and inspiring guests working on the frontline of China-Africa cooperation join us to share their personal experiences and stories, offering a clearer and more vivid picture of how this important partnership is growing and transforming.

Attending as guest of honor at the 11th Global Tourism Economy Forum held in Harbin, Zimbabwe draws insights from China's culture-driven tourism model. We speak with Stanley Banda, Zimbabwe's Tourism Attaché to China and ASEAN, on key takeaways from the forum and opportunities for deeper China-Africa tourism cooperation

As global environmental challenges intensify and geopolitical tensions strain international cooperation, the mandate of the United Nations Environment Assembly has never been more significant. Meeting from December 8 to 12 in Nairobi, UNEA-7 brings together delegates from around the world to advance sustainable solutions for a resilient planet. Ma Jun and Ali-Said Matano weigh in on why UNEA's role is essential in shaping the future of global environmental governance.