Starting May 1, 2026, China will eliminate tariffs on all imports from the 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, a move expected to accelerate industrialization and economic development across the continent. The policy comes as China enters its 15th Five-Year Plan cycle, a period set to emphasize high-quality growth, stronger domestic demand, and a deeper level of opening-up. What impact will this comprehensive zero-tariff arrangement have on African economies and on broader global trade dynamics?

Happy Chinese New Year! The annual celebration of Chinese New Year has evolved into a powerful symbol of the deepening ties between China and Africa. As we welcome the Year of the Horse, we explore the symbolic meaning of the horse in both Chinese and African traditions and key themes and milestones lie ahead for China-Africa relations in the new year.

South Africa and China have signed a framework trade and investment deal aimed at expanding bilateral economic ties. The agreement is expected to grant more South African exports duty-free access to the Chinese market and facilitate increased Chinese investment. What does the signing of the deal signal about how China and South Africa are prioritizing the growth of trade and investment ties, especially in the context of the current international economic environment?

Recently, Zimbabwean war veterans wrote to Chinese President Xi Jinping to express their gratitude for China's support during Zimbabwe's liberation struggle. In his January 28 reply, President Xi commended the veterans for dedicating their youth to the cause of national liberation and for forging a profound friendship with the Chinese people along the way. How did China and Zimbabwe work together during the liberation era, and what lasting legacy has that solidarity produced, especially for younger generations?

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.