A photo exhibition aimed at promoting China-Africa ties was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, on September 26, 2026. The exhibition featured around 60 historical images highlighting various aspects of China-Africa cooperation. The event was co-organized by the Chinese Mission to the African Union, the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, and Xinhua News Agency Africa Regional Bureau. This exhibition is part of the celebrations marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
The exhibition was divided into five categories, including Chinese modernization achievements, major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, and China-Africa friendly exchanges. It also covered China-Africa joint promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative and the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. Aboubakri Diaw, chief of staff at the Office of the UN Economic Commission for Africa Executive Secretary, attended the exhibition and praised its organization.
Diaw was particularly impressed by a photo of himself participating in a cultural activity during the UN Chinese Language Day celebration. He commended the exhibition for showcasing different aspects of China-Africa cooperation. The event drew a large crowd, including officials from the Ethiopian government, representatives of the African Union and United Nations, and members of the Chinese community.
Balew Demissie, a senior consultant at the Policy Studies Institute of Ethiopia, showed great interest in photos of mega infrastructure projects built by Chinese companies across Africa. He was impressed by the professionalism of the photos and their detailed captions. Demissie specifically mentioned the Chinese-built Aysha II Wind Power Plant in Ethiopia's Somali Regional State as an example of close cooperation between China and Africa.
The year 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. The photo exhibition is part of a reception celebrating these significant milestones. The reception brought together around 1,200 guests, including diplomatic envoys, local academics, and media professionals.
The exhibition provided a platform for attendees to learn about China-Africa cooperation and its achievements over the years. It also offered an opportunity for guests to network and engage in discussions about future collaborations. The event demonstrated the strong ties between China and Africa and their commitment to further strengthening their relationship.
The successful holding of the photo exhibition underscores the growing importance of China-Africa relations. As the two sides continue to celebrate their 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, events like this exhibition will play a crucial role in promoting mutual understanding and cooperation. The exhibition has contributed to a deeper appreciation of China-Africa ties and their potential for future growth.
Key points
- The photo exhibition in Addis Ababa featured 60 historical images showcasing China-Africa cooperation under five topics.
- The event was co-organized by the Chinese Mission to the African Union, the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, and Xinhua News Agency Africa Regional Bureau.
- 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Africa, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
