By Héribert-Label Élisée ADJOVI – Chairman of the Xi’an Think Tank for Sino-African Cooperation and Development
The multipurpose hall of the Chinese Cultural Center in Cotonou, Benin, hosted the official award ceremony of the China-Africa (Benin) “Belt and Road” Photography Contest. A major cultural moment aligned with the 2025 Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, co-organized by the Chinese Cultural Center in Cotonou, the World Organization of Culture and Arts, and the North American Photography Federation, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. At the end of the evening, Beninese photographer Alexis Dossou and Lin Wei, an employee of a Chinese company in Benin, were honored “for their exceptional photographs.” “The moon shines over the sea; two hearts contemplate the same light, though separated by a thousand miles.” With this famous Chinese poem by Zhang Jiuling—evoking a profound sense of friendship between China and the rest of the world despite distance, through the universal symbol of the moon visible to all—His Excellency Mr. Zhang Wei, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Benin, set the tone for the evening.
“On October 6, we will celebrate the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival in China. This festival symbolizes family reunion, national prosperity, and peace for the people. It expresses a shared wish for all humanity… It is also an important window for friends around the world to discover the charm of traditional Chinese culture.” An event within an event, emphasized the Chinese diplomat.
“Tonight, we will also witness the closing of the 2025 edition of the China-Africa (Benin) ‘Belt and Road’ Photography Contest and admire the exceptional works of photographers and enthusiasts from around the world… We are convinced that images possess a power that transcends language; each photo carries its own warmth, and every lens hides a vast horizon and deep emotions. We hope that more and more international friends will turn their cameras toward the landscapes and customs of our two countries, capture the friendship between our peoples, and bear witness to the flourishing development of our strategic partnership—thus adding artistic charm to China’s modernization and Benin’s rise.”
For Jack Kelly, representative of the World Organization of Culture and Arts (co-organizer of the ceremony), “This contest offers an exceptional platform to share with the world Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, its economic progress, and the richness of its cultural heritage. Each photo opens a window, allowing us to witness the transformation, vitality, and hope that animate Africa—reminding us of the unique power of visual storytelling and cultural exchange.” He also expressed admiration for the achievements of the “Belt and Road” initiative. “In March of this year, I had the privilege of visiting Zhejiang Province for a week. I was deeply impressed by the region’s economic vitality—from its high-speed rail network and dynamic ports to its thriving digital economy. These accomplishments, strengthened by the Belt and Road initiative, are now contributing to Africa’s development by improving infrastructure, facilitating trade, and creating opportunities in education and cooperation.” Jack Kelly holds the “Cradle of Humanity” close to his heart. “Through such events, we hope to deepen mutual understanding, promote cultural exchanges, and strengthen economic collaboration—while encouraging more people to engage in and support Africa’s future development.”
Zhou Huanxin, President of the North American Photography Federation (the other co-organizer of the event), was visibly moved, admitting he “never imagined speaking on a stage in Africa… a unique and unforgettable experience.” He recalled that “when Mr. Kuang Lin (Director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Benin) was stationed in New York, we organized and planned many major events together, including exhibitions and Chinese tourism promotion activities at the World Trade Center and the United Nations headquarters, as well as the annual New Year photography contest for Chinese communities around the world. These experiences not only strengthened our friendship but also built a true bridge for cultural exchange.” “This edition of the China-Africa Photography Contest attracted photographers from around the globe. The submitted works not only showcase Africa’s spectacular landscapes, wildlife, and human stories, but also present the image of China’s current development. They vividly illustrate how the Belt and Road initiative contributes to Africa’s progress. We hope that through such events, we can foster cultural exchange, encourage economic cooperation, and enable more people to understand, participate in, and support the construction and development of the Belt and Road initiative.”
Joining the chorus of praise, Carole Borna, Arts Advisor at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts of Benin, congratulated Beninese photographer Alexis Dossou and Lin Wei, an employee of a Chinese company in Benin, both winners of the contest. “You embody the creativity and dynamism that drive relations between China and Benin. You are ambassadors of culture.” Before heading to the festive buffet to nourish their bodies, the distinguished guests at the official award ceremony of the China-Africa (Benin) “Belt and Road” Photography Contest visited the exhibition of winning photographs to nourish their eyes. A symbol of a people-to-people China-Africa relationship that grows stronger… day by day!