The Africa-China People-to-People Dialogue, a two-day convening of civil society organizations (CSOs), private sector leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from across Africa and China, concluded Friday in Lusaka, Zambia. Organized by the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) in partnership with the Chinese NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNIE), the P2P Dialogue, which took place from 8-9 May 2025, aimed to deepen mutual understanding and practical collaboration between African and Chinese people.
The purpose of the dialogue was to move beyond government-to-government agreements and build lasting connections among citizens so that partnerships reflect real needs, shared expertise, and a common commitment to sustainable progress.
Zambia's Vice President, Her Honour. W.K. Mutale Nalumango opened the Dialogue with an important reminder that "Africa-China cooperation is not about speed. It is about sustainability, solidarity, and shared success."
Her speech was an invitation to deepen Africa-China relationships, not just trade; to invest in people, not only projects; and to define progress in human terms, not financial ones.
Building on that tone, she recognized Zambia's unique role in reshaping the African Union (AU)-civil society ties.
"Lusaka is no longer just a capital-it is the city of every African. The capital of the African citizenry," she stated.
By hosting ECOSOCC since 2019, Lusaka has become a living platform for civic participation, youth leadership, and continental accountability.
H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, praised Zambia for hosting ECOSOCC since 2019; reaffirmed the AU's support for the inaugural Africa-China People-to-People Dialogue; and applauded ECOSOCC's leadership in renewing ties with the CNIE.
"This partnership must go beyond governance, it must live in the hands of our people: entrepreneurs, scientists, artists and civil society leaders," she said.
The Dialogue reaffirmed ECOSOCC's mission to bridge African and Chinese civil societies, building trust, inclusion, and shared solutions across borders.
ECOSOCC's Presiding Officer, Mr. Louis Cheick Sissoko, captured the spirit of the gathering.
"This gathering is not a mere conference - it is a reclamation of the human in diplomacy. It is an affirmation that partnerships should not be limited to state houses and boardrooms, but must echo through our communities, classrooms, clinics, and cultural spaces," said Mr. Sissoko.
His words resonated with all in the room who were aware of China and Africa's long-run partnership in history, resilience, and a shared future.
Mr. Li Jun, Vice-President of CNIE, the largest international exchange NGO in China expanded on that and shared how CNIE's work with Africa spans platforms, programs, and powerful convenings. He encouraged African counterparts to connect directly with Chinese NGOs, universities, think tanks, and businesses to exchange ideas and create new partnerships.
"The friendship between China and Africa has deep roots - from trade along the ancient Maritime Silk Road, to mutual support during the struggles against colonialism in modern times, and now in our joint endeavour to build a closer community with a shared future," he said.
Welcoming China's delegation and all esteemed guests, Zimbabwean High Commissioner to Zambia, Amb. Charity Charamba (representing the Dean of African Ambassadors Group in Zambia) said the Dialogue was an opportunity for African and Chinese CSOs to collaborate and work hand in hand to solve common issues. She quoted the proverb, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
ECOSOCC Head of Secretariat Mr. William Carew reinforced the human focus and reminded participants that true partnerships go beyond megaprojects. They begin and endure with people.
"Governments may sign agreements, businesses may forge trade deals, and institutions may establish frameworks, but true and lasting partnerships are sustained by the people. It is the farmers, the entrepreneurs, the educators, the artists, and the everyday citizens who breathe life into diplomacy. They are the ones who turn policy into progress, dialogue into development, and cooperation into shared prosperity," said Mr. Carew.
The two-day dialogue included critical plenary sessions including, emphasizing the role of civil society in encouraging genuine cooperation; how Africa-China partnerships can be strengthened across areas like trade, education, and policy implementation; vibrant exchanges from entrepreneurs shaping industries in both Africa and China; and a discussion of a roadmap for Africa-China people-to-people collaboration. The discussion, dominated by youth voices, focused on practical steps like the creation of a joint steering committee and future areas of cooperation such as scholarships, capacity building, and community-level development initiatives.
Mr. Boniface Cheembe, Chair of the ECOSOCC Peace and Security Sectoral Cluster Committee, closed the Dialogue on behalf of Mr. Sissoko, expressing gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Zambia and encouraging continued collaboration between African and Chinese CSOs.
Dr. Amany Asfour, President of the Africa Business Council, expressed her honour in attending as one of the pioneering members of ECOSOCC. She also stressed the importance of asking "why" questions to solve key challenges and called for a clear roadmap for collaboration. The partnership with China, she noted, should focus on answering the "how" to achieve mutual goals.
As the Dialogue closed, organizers and participants left Lusaka with tangible next steps, strengthened relationships, and a shared intent to turn conversations into action across sectors and borders.
