By Nafisat Makinde
On July 25, 2025, the China-Africa All-Media Capacity Enhancement Seminar brought together leading voices from the media, government, and technology sectors in Beijing, China. The event marked a significant milestone in China-Africa media cooperation, with dignitaries such as Mrs. Leslie Richer, Director of Information and Communication at the African Union Commission, and Mr. He Dongbo, Deputy General Manager of China Broadcasting International Economic and Technical Cooperation Company Limited (CBIC), in attendance.
The seminar highlighted the rapidly expanding African digital ecosystem, which now boasts over 600 million internet users. China’s contributions to global media development were also acknowledged, including building over 1,000 international broadcasting centers and training more than 3,100 media professionals from over 130 countries 1,300 of whom are African.
“We are not just discussing tools, but forging partnerships that reflect shared values and mutual respect,” Mrs. Richer said, highlighting the importance of the seminar. “Artificial Intelligence can help Africa preserve and project its unique heritage,” she added, citing Chinese successes in digitizing cultural artifacts like the Dunhuang Mogao Caves.
Mr. He Dongbo emphasized the strategic importance of the seminar, referencing President Xi Jinping’s “10 Cooperation Initiatives” announced at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). “We recognize the responsibility entrusted to us to help shape an all-media framework that supports the mutual aspirations of both continents,” he said.
The seminar proposed several key areas for immediate cooperation, including:
- Sharing Chinese technical expertise and operational models with African media outlets
- Promoting joint content creation, particularly on development and cultural themes
- Establishing innovation hubs, AI-driven media labs, and joint education platforms
- Enhancing regulatory frameworks that support ethical AI use in media
Mr. Hu Pingchao further emphasized the significance of media exchanges, stating, “Media exchanges are not just about communication; they are a tool for enhancing mutual trust, promoting peace, and tackling global challenges like poverty and climate change.”
The seminar also highlighted initiatives such as the BRI in My Eyes column, featuring African journalists’ perspectives on the Belt and Road Initiative, and the Belt and Road Economic Information Partnership (BREIP), which facilitates information sharing among media institutions from 43 countries, including eight in Africa.
As the seminar concluded, the resounding consensus was clear: China-Africa media collaboration is not only about exchanging tools and training but also about telling stories that reflect the shared aspirations of two continents bound by history, development, and a future shaped through innovation and dialogue.
