China-Africa Media Cooperation Forum and Think Tank Dialogue Opens, Emphasizes Modernization and Mutual Growth
The Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation and the China-Africa Think Tank High-Level Dialogue has officially opened in China, attracting representatives from 46 African countries and over 500 Chinese delegates.
The event, held under the theme “Join Hands on the Path Towards Modernisation,” is a significant platform for deepening cooperation between China and Africa in media and knowledge exchange.
Zambia’s Minister of Information and Media, and Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, MP, is representing the Zambian Government at the forum. In his address, Minister Mweetwa highlighted the importance of the Forum in strengthening China-Africa ties and enhancing media development across the continent.
He emphasized that the platform allows for the sharing of new trends and developments in the media, fostering mutual respect, sincerity, solidarity, justice, and win-win cooperation for the benefit of both Chinese and African populations.
Minister Mweetwa expressed gratitude to China for its support in advancing media development in Africa, particularly in areas such as technology, training, and infrastructure. He noted that China’s achievements in media have kept the sector relevant, even amid the challenges posed by new media, including social media.
He stressed that Africa, and Zambia in particular, can learn significantly from China’s experience in media modernisation.
The Zambian Minister called on African countries to leverage the opportunities presented by the Forum to establish linkages and relationships that will benefit the continent’s media industry. He underscored the need for enhanced collaboration between African and Chinese think tanks to effectively address challenges such as poverty, climate change, and the prudent use of natural resources.
He also highlighted the importance of bridging the digital divide and improving digital governance capacity, expressing hope that Zambia can count on China’s continued support in these areas.
Cao Shumin, Minister of the National Radio and Television Administration of China, reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting African countries in their efforts to modernise and grow their media sectors. He emphasized the need for a robust media sector in both China and Africa, capable of authoritatively telling the story of China-Africa cooperation.
Minister Cao expressed confidence in Africa’s potential to become a media powerhouse on the global stage, with continued support from China.
The AU Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, in a statement read on his behalf by AU Commission Chief Media Officer Christiane Yanrou, highlighted the importance of African and Chinese media working together to address the challenges brought about by technological advancements in communication.
He urged Africa to utilize the Forum to develop a media landscape that tells the African story with integrity, respect, and honesty. Mahamat also emphasized leveraging the warm relations between Africa and China for the benefit of the continent’s citizens.
The Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation continues to serve as a critical avenue for fostering stronger media ties and exploring new avenues for growth and modernization in both China and Africa.
