The Global South Media and Think Tank Forum: China-Africa Partnership Conference opened in Johannesburg on Thursday, bringing together over 200 delegates from more than 160 media outlets, think tanks, and government institutions across China and 41 African nations, alongside the African Union (AU).
Co-hosted by Xinhua News Agency, the AU, and South Africa’s Independent Media, the two-day conference aims to strengthen global governance, amplify the collective voice of the Global South, and chart a new path for China-Africa cooperation under the theme “Reforming Global Governance: New Roles and Visions for China-Africa Cooperation.”
Xinhua News Agency’s Editor-in-Chief Lyu Yansong highlighted President Xi Jinping’s vision of elevating China-Africa relations to an “all-weather community with a shared future.” He stressed the vital role of media and think tanks in shaping narratives, supporting peace, fostering open development, and contributing to a more equitable global governance system. Lyu also called for advancing major global initiatives on development, security, civilization, and governance.
Iqbal Surve, chairman of Independent Media, praised the China-Africa partnership as a model of mutual respect and meaningful collaboration, while AU Director of Information and Communication Leslie Richer emphasized Africa’s determination to be not just a participant but a “co-author” in shaping humanity’s future. She underscored Africa’s commitment to working with China to strengthen its voice on climate action, finance, and digital governance.
Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng noted the shared history and common development goals that bind China and Africa, calling both sides the “backbone of the Global South.” He encouraged delegates to contribute ideas and deepen cooperation to build an all-weather China-Africa community for the new era.
Throughout the forum, participants engaged in discussions on global governance reform, Global South revitalization, and civilizational exchange. Speakers highlighted the evolution of China-Africa ties over nearly seven decades, describing them as a model of modern international partnership driving progress across the Global South.
Gambian Information Minister Ismaila Ceesay stressed that the future of global governance must be inclusive and multipolar, applauding China’s support for media training, technology transfer, and infrastructure development in Africa. Representatives from Chinese organizations—including China Energy Investment Corporation and Hunan provincial commerce authorities—expressed readiness to expand cooperation in renewable energy, talent development, trade, and technology.
The conference also released a think tank report titled “Jointly Building a New Model of Global Leadership — Work Together for a More Just and Rational Global Governance System,” and launched the Global South joint communication partnership network and the “United in Heart, Path and Action — 2026 China-Africa Partnership Empowerment Action Plan.”
Photos from the event showed active participation and strong engagement from delegates as China and Africa reaffirmed their commitment to deeper collaboration, inclusive development, and shared global leadership.
