What: Africa-China People-to-People Dialogue
Who: H.E. W.K. Mutale Nalumango (Vice President of the Republic of Zambia), H.E. Selma Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson, African Union Commission; Mr. Louis Sissoko (Presiding Officer, ECOSOCC); H.E. Alpheus Matlhaku, High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana to Zambia and Acting Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors (AGOA); Dr. Amany Asfour (President, Africa Business Council); Mr. Li Jun (Vice President of CNIE and Former Vice Minister of The International Department of the CPC Central Committee); and Mr. William Carew (Head of Secretariat, ECOSOCC).
When: 8 - 9 May, 2025
Where: Lusaka International Convention Centre (LICC Ciela Resorts), Lusaka, Zambia
Background
ECOSOCC, in partnership with Chinese civil society organizations, is pleased to announce the upcoming Africa-China People-to-People Dialogue. This high-level gathering will take place from 8-9 May 2025 at the Lusaka International Convention Centre, Ciela Resort, Zambia.
The Dialogue marks ten years since the 4th China-Africa People's Forum and builds on growing civil society cooperation between Africa and China. It brings together key actors to strengthen collaboration, enhance mutual understanding, and build sustainable, people-centered partnerships. The event is grounded in a decade of work, exchange, and relationship-building between African and Chinese communities.
With participation from civil society leaders, policy experts, the private sector, diplomats, and government officials, the Dialogue will serve as a platform to assess progress since the 2015 Declaration, adopt a roadmap for people-to-people cooperation, and identify new areas for impactful partnership.
Key Objectives
- Review and renew commitments made under the 2015 Forum Declaration.
- Foster deeper collaboration between African and Chinese civil society organizations (CSOs).
- Promote inclusive and sustainable development through joint initiatives.
- Launch a platform for continuous engagement and exchange.
Expected Outcomes
- A clear roadmap for civil society cooperation.
- The creation of a joint Steering Committee for future collaboration.
- New initiatives focused on cultural exchange, entrepreneurship, education, and community development.
- Stronger engagement with the African diaspora in China.
Participation
- H.E. W.K. Mutale Nalumango (Vice President of the Republic of Zambia)
- China NGO Network for International Exchanges - CNIE
- High-Level delegation from the People's Republic of China
- Senior AU Officials and representatives of AU Organs and Specialized Agencies
- Ambassadors and members of the Diplomatic Corps based in Lusaka
- Civil society leaders and youth representatives from Africa and China
- Private sector actors and trade associations from both regions
- Academics, researchers, and cultural influencers
- International media and development partners
- Leading Africa entrepreneurs and businesses
- China Charity Alliance
- China Economic and Social Council
- China-Africa Business Council
- Mission of China to the African Union
- Africa China Centre for Policy & Advisory
- Global South North Centre
- African & Chinese CSOs/NGOs
- Chinese NGOs
The media are invited to cover the opening ceremony on 8th May 2025 at 09.30 a.m. at Lusaka International Convention Centre (LICC Ciela Resorts), Lusaka, Zambia. Media can also join the dialogue through livestream, Thursday, 8 May at 8AM UTC | 10AM CAT | 11AM EAT:https://vimeo.com/event/5115039
