Sun Yixue 

Against the backdrop of a shifting global governance landscape, China–Africa cooperation—built through the joint efforts of governments and peoples from both sides—is undergoing a strategic transition from an "economically driven" model to one guided by shared philosophies. This shift presents an opportune moment to deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges, offering new possibilities for redefining Africa’s endogenous development logic and fostering mutually beneficial paradigms. Emerging from the synergy of China’s experience and Africa’s rising consciousness of autonomy, it not only reflects the intrinsic needs of both China and Africa but also meets the broader demand for stronger South–South cooperation.

In the context of a reconfigured global cultural order, Western cultural hegemony in Africa faces growing resistance. A heightened sense of national and cultural self-awareness is taking root across the continent through ongoing struggles against colonialism and hegemonic control. Alongside such awakening, African nations are enhancing their governance capacities and striving to assert their own cultural voices. China’s independent development path offers a direct point of reference, empowering African nations with the confidence, wisdom and experience needed to pursue context-sensitive models of growth rooted in their own political, economic, and cultural realities.

The alignment between China’s Global Civilization Initiative and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 reflects a fundamental shift in Africa’s role—from a passive recipient of global narratives to an active protagonist in its development journey. China’s experience resonates with Africa’s solutions-oriented aspirations, as exemplified by Ethiopia’s emphasis on "learning from China without replication." This convergence mirrors China’s commitment to offering the world a "Chinese solution", echoing Africa’s call for global equity. Philosophies such as "pursuing common good for all" and "A community with shared future for mankind", central to China’s global outlook, harmonize with Africa’s ethos of global inclusivity.

With the Belt and Road Initiative as a cornerstone, China–Africa cooperation has moved from infrastructure and trade-based "hard engagement" toward deeper cultural "soft connectivity". The appetite for Chinese culture is rising across African societies, creating fertile ground for mutual learning.

Leveraging technological innovation, China-Africa cultural collaboration is undergoing comprehensive upgrades. By challenging Western dominance in digital platforms, joint cultural content creation has forged shared brands. Initiatives like "Chinese culture entering Africa" and "African culture reaching beyond the continent" now operate in tandem.

Platforms like Glovo, the African version of a Chinese food delivery site Meituan and Bilibili where vlogger Wang Defu shares videos about Africa build connections between the two sides. Language and cultural gap are bridged through the African League of Honor of Kings and live streaming of African merchants in Yiwu International Trade City. These youth-led initiatives lay the groundwork for coordinated development of China and Africa. Among Generation Z on both continents, youth powers co-exist in harmony and take the leading position of cultural exchange. This dynamic is giving rise to a new "three-dimensional" model of cultural cooperation: driven by digital technology, anchored in youth participation, and underpinned by exchanges and mutual learning. The focus is shifting from aid-based support to capacity-building partnerships, which establishes a development-oriented pluralism. In turn, this beneficial shift is reframing the dimensions of civilizational dialogue and advancing China–Africa cooperation from a community of shared interests to a community of shared values.

Africa’s rich and complex cultural heritage, coupled with its diverse socio-geographical landscapes, reflects a tapestry of indigenous traditions intertwined with colonial legacies. Looking ahead, China-Africa cultural cooperation must prioritize "equality, mutual learning, innovation, and inclusiveness." Beyond government-led and public participation, it should encourage enterprises, NGOs, and other societal forces to engage. While blending digital trends with traditional ties and cultivating bi-directional as well cross-cultural talent, these efforts will help African nations tap into their own civilizational heritage. By balancing Africa’s voice in global narratives, this joint endeavour could ultimately foster a China–Africa civilizational community defined by solidarity, empathy, and shared destiny.

The author is Dean of the International School at Tongji University in Shanghai.