Theme: Leveraging the Role of Sino-African Media to Support the Zero-Tariff Policy and Stimulate Economic and Trade Growth Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Experts, Dear Participants, It is a true pleasure for me to take part in this 7th Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation. I therefore wish to thank the China-Africa Institute and its President, Professor YE Hailin, for this invitation which honors me both as Governor of the Pan-African Magazine of Diplomacy and International Relations Le Label Diplomatique, President of the Xi’an Think Tank for Sino-African Cooperation and Development, and President of the Caucus of African Journalists for the Global South Community of Shared Future. I am also proud to deliver this communication on how Chinese and African audiovisual media can become leading actors in supporting the zero-tariff policy and stimulating economic and trade growth between China and Africa. Introduction: The Strategic Context Trade exchanges between China and Africa reached an unprecedented level in the first half of 2026, a historic record, thanks to the extension—since May 1, 2026—of the zero-tariff treatment policy to all 53 African countries that have established diplomatic relations with China. According to official data published in July by Xinhua, the total volume of Sino-African imports and exports amounted to 1.41 trillion yuan (about USD 208.9 billion) over the first six months of the year. This is the highest level ever recorded for a first semester, averaging nearly 8 billion yuan in daily exchanges. Yet this policy can only generate multiplied effects and induce greater growth in Sino-African economic and trade exchanges if it is known, understood, and embraced by economic actors. This is precisely where the media, especially audiovisual media, play a strategic role. President Xi Jinping regularly describes China-Africa media cooperation as an essential pillar to strengthen friendship, foster mutual learning between civilizations, and promote a fair global strategic partnership in the new era.
1. Strategic Role of Audiovisual Media Audiovisual media are central to building understanding among target populations of Sino-African economic and trade cooperation. This includes Chinese outlets such as CGTN, StarTimes, Radio China International, China Daily, and their African counterparts. Under President Xi Jinping’s guidance, China’s audiovisual strategy in Africa aims to build a “community of shared future.” These media do not merely provide general information; they act concretely for development through content sharing, technical partnerships, training, and exchanges. 2. Current State of Media InvolvementSino-African audiovisual media are uniquely positioned to: - Promote advantages of the zero-tariff policy to businesses, producers, and consumers. - Explain opportunities and benefits to economic actors. - Highlight success stories of enterprises thriving under this policy. In Benin, for example, local television and radio stations broadcast programs to SMEs and agricultural cooperatives explaining export procedures and the benefits of tariff elimination. News programs showcase success stories of Beninese companies exporting cotton, soybeans, cashew nuts, and pineapples to China.
3. Strengthening Media EngagementTo maximize impact, three actions are crucial: - Increase audiovisual productions between Chinese and African media (documentaries, economic programs). - Expand digital platforms such as streaming and social media to reach young entrepreneurs. - Reinforce partnerships among press agencies, TV, and radio networks for clearer, more impactful messaging.
Conclusion and Call to Action Chinese and African media are not mere spectators. They actively contribute to growth, build trust between leaders and citizens, and strengthen cooperation. By fully harnessing their potential, the zero-tariff policy can become a true engine of shared prosperity. I therefore propose the creation of a Sino-African Media Coalition to accompany this policy, ensuring that every report, program, and documentary contributes to our common growth. Together, let us make audiovisual media the spokesperson of prosperity, the messenger of trust, and the partner of development. With colleagues from the 53 African countries maintaining diplomatic relations with China, I have established the Caucus of African Journalists for the Global South Community of Shared Future, and with intellectuals from across the continent, the Xi’an Think Tank for Sino-African Cooperation and Development. The wars of the 3rd and 4th generations are wars of communication. Chinese and African audiovisual media must join hands to promote a China-Africa community of shared destiny based on mutual benefits, skills, and technology sharing.
Together, we will be strong! Thank you.