(Editor’s note: This article represents the views of the author Karim Badolo and not necessarily those of CGTN.)
For the 36th consecutive year, Africa is the destination of the Chinese Foreign Minister’s first overseas trip. A symbolic hallmark of China-Africa diplomacy, this annual tour by the head of Chinese diplomacy demonstrates the importance of ties between the two sides. This year, from January 7 to 12, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Lesotho.
During his stay in Ethiopia, he will take part in the official launching ceremony of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges at the headquarters of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa. By consensus, China and Africa have decided to make 2026 a pivotal year in promoting human and cultural exchanges. Several activities will be organized throughout the year to highlight the cultural richness of both sides and strengthen their shared will for mutual understanding. “Better understanding each other to move forward together” is the guiding principle of this year of exchanges.
What can be said about the four stages of the Chinese Foreign Minister’s trip to Africa? Ethiopia is a concrete example of the dynamism of China-Africa cooperation. Established 55 years ago, bilateral cooperation between China and Ethiopia is marked by flagship development initiatives in various sectors. It covers areas such as economy, trade, industry, mining, communications, artificial intelligence and infrastructure. In infrastructure, China’s achievements in Ethiopia include railways (the Addis Ababa–Djibouti line), roads, industrial zones and telecommunications, creating thousands of jobs for Ethiopians. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, Ethiopia is a key partner of China. When Chinese Premier Li Qiang met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed last year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the BRICS summit, they reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the sustainable development of the Addis Ababa–Djibouti railway, increasing trade and boosting bilateral investment.
Somalia, the second stop of Wang Yi’s visit, has maintained bilateral cooperation with China since December 14, 1960. Since then, economic and technical ties have expanded. China has built numerous infrastructures in Somalia, including in culture (the National Theatre of Somalia), sanitation (the Hargeisa water supply project), health (Benadir Pediatric Hospital), sports (Mogadishu Stadium) and more. In 2024, bilateral trade between China and Somalia was estimated at 972 million USD. During his visit to China in August 2025, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre discussed with Chinese authorities the need to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, technology, infrastructure and trade.
Tanzania is the third stop of the Foreign Minister’s tour. China and Tanzania have maintained bilateral relations since April 26, 1964. Cooperation between the two countries has developed steadily in sectors such as health, education, ICT, trade and infrastructure. In May 2025, China and Tanzania signed two aid agreements worth 69.3 million USD to support the health sector and an economic and technical cooperation program. In infrastructure, China financed the construction of the railway between Tanzania and Zambia. At the 2024 FOCAC summit, the two sides signed documents in the fields of connectivity and agricultural trade.
Lesotho, the final stop of Wang Yi’s trip, resumed bilateral cooperation with China on January 12, 1994. The two countries maintain fruitful relations in health, education, culture and trade. Bilateral trade reached 150 million USD in 2024. Cooperation in the health sector with Lesotho has been strong, with China regularly sending medical teams since 1997. To date, 18 Chinese medical teams have worked in the southern African country. In tourism, Lesotho is a popular destination for Chinese visitors.
The annual tour of the Chinese Foreign Minister in Africa, more than a tradition, reflects the strength of strategic China-Africa cooperation. Long-standing partners, China and Africa maintain relations built on mutual respect and consideration of each other’s interests. In development projects, China stands as a strategic and reliable partner in the modernization of the continent. During his meetings with hosts, Wang Yi may assess the implementation of the ten partnership actions proposed by China at the last FOCAC summit. In an international context where peace and stability are under threat, both sides must strengthen solidarity to promote more inclusive international relations that respect international law. On this occasion, Wang Yi will also emphasize the importance of promoting China’s global governance initiative, which advocates respect for sovereignty, respect for international law, multilateralism, placing people at the center of governance, and action in global governance.
(Photo: VCG)