Chinese-African Journalists' Immersion Program Concludes in Beijing

The three-week immersion program for French-speaking African journalists concluded on November 3 in Beijing. The seminar, organized by the China International Communication Group's training center, aimed to deepen participants' understanding of China's development model. Journalists from Djibouti, Cameroon, Chad, Guinea, Gabon, and Réunion Island participated in the program. They engaged in conferences, institutional meetings, and field visits to explore China's modernization and potential cooperation between Chinese and African media.

The program included thematic conferences, institutional meetings, and field visits. Participants visited the Guizhou province, exploring China's technological and economic transformations. A notable highlight was the visit to the National Integrated Big Data Zone, where they learned about China's digital infrastructure development plans. These experiences provided journalists with a comprehensive understanding of China's modernization process.

The seminar served as a platform for journalists from diverse media traditions and cultural backgrounds to share experiences and practices. Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with Chinese media professionals and gain insights into China's governance, education system, and poverty alleviation efforts. The program fostered dialogue and cooperation among participants, who represented various French-speaking countries and territories in Africa.

Alain Madza, a journalist from the Cameroonian Press Society, spoke on behalf of his colleagues, praising the organizers for the warm welcome and enriching program. He highlighted the human aspect of the experience, which allowed him to discover new realities and build relationships with fellow journalists from different backgrounds. Madza encouraged participants to maintain these connections and promote knowledge sharing and professional solidarity.

Li Hengtian, deputy director of the CICG IISAT training center, reviewed the session, emphasizing the diversity of exchanges and the richness of discoveries. He stressed the importance of direct dialogue, listening, and mutual understanding in strengthening relations between China and Africa. Li Hengtian also underscored the significance of human exchanges in enhancing cooperation between the two regions.

The closing ceremony included the official distribution of participation certificates and symbolic gifts to the journalists. The program enabled African journalists to gain a deeper understanding of China, establish new contacts, and explore potential cooperation opportunities. These outcomes are expected to facilitate closer ties between African media outlets and their Chinese counterparts.

The seminar's outcomes are anticipated to promote a stronger connection between African and Chinese media. By fostering greater understanding and cooperation, the program aims to contribute to enhanced relations between China and Africa. The experience has provided journalists with valuable insights and professional networks, which are expected to have a lasting impact on their work and collaborations.

Key points

• The three-week immersion program enhanced participants' understanding of China's development model and fostered cooperation between Chinese and African media.