Reading the Classics with My Child” program introduces young Africans to traditional Chinese culture. Photo by China News Service
African journalists and young representatives have gained valuable insights into China’s innovation, technological advancement and development journey during the 10th China-Africa Youth Festival, which brought together more than 60 young African delegates in China.
The festival, held from October 28 to November 3, 2026, in Beijing and Shaanxi Province, provided a platform for young Africans to explore China’s achievements while strengthening cultural understanding, friendship and cooperation between the two regions.
Organised by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, the festival was held under the theme of youth building dreams together and moving towards the future.
For African journalists, the programme offered an opportunity to experience China beyond the headlines and gain first-hand knowledge of its technological progress, industrial development and innovation-driven economy.
One of the highlights was a visit to BYD, a leading Chinese new-energy vehicle manufacturer in Xi’an, where delegates were introduced to electric vehicle technology, battery innovation and modern manufacturing processes.
The visit demonstrated how technological innovation and industrial development are contributing to China’s economic transformation, while offering African participants insights into potential opportunities for cooperation in manufacturing, skills development and green technology.
The delegation also visited Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, providing an opportunity to explore the relationship between education, research and technological advancement.
Beyond innovation, the festival encouraged participants to reflect on how China’s development experiences could inform Africa’s own development priorities.
African delegates emphasised the importance of investing in education, human capital, youth empowerment and skills development to unlock the continent’s potential.
The programme also included visits to historical and cultural landmarks, including the Palace Museum in Beijing and sites in Shaanxi Province, offering participants a deeper understanding of Chinese history, culture and national development.
For journalists, these engagements highlighted the importance of international exchanges in broadening perspectives and strengthening media understanding of global development.
The festival comes as China and African countries celebrate 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries.
The milestone places renewed emphasis on cooperation in education, culture, science, technology and youth development.
As Africa continues to pursue industrialisation, digital transformation and economic growth, exposure to international innovation and development experiences is increasingly important.
The festival reinforced the message that young people are not merely beneficiaries of China-Africa cooperation but active participants in shaping its future.
For African journalists and youth, the experience provided an opportunity to build networks, exchange ideas and explore how knowledge gained in China could contribute to development initiatives back home.
Ultimately, the 10th China-Africa Youth Festival demonstrated the value of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening relations between China and Africa, with innovation, education and youth cooperation emerging as important pillars of a shared future.
