Zambia and China Celebrate 2026 Cultural Week with Youth Performances
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing has highlighted the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening ties between China and Zambia during the Qi Yue Adolescent Recitation Performance Festival.
The event, held on 21 April 2026, was hosted by the Chinese Culture Information Association and organised by the Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia, with support from the Zambia Chinese Association. It attracted more than 200 participants, including performers, members of the Chinese community and media representatives.
Among dignitaries in attendance were Zambia’s Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima, University of Zambia Vice-Chancellor Mundia Muya, Zambia Chinese Association Chairman Zhang Jian, and Confucius Institute Directors Fan Guoping and David Mwanza.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Han said the festival forms part of the ongoing China-Zambia Week of People-to-People Exchanges and serves as a platform for young people from both countries to build friendships through language and culture.
He noted that as 2026 marks the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, the festival not only honours the legacy of Qi Yue in the art of language, but also promotes cross-cultural dialogue among young people, helping to strengthen mutual understanding and long-term cooperation.
Mr Syakalima highlighted the role of language and cultural exchange in deepening bilateral relations, stating that activities such as recitation and performance help to enhance language skills while fostering confidence, creativity and intercultural awareness among young people.
He added that the Zambian Government remains committed to working closely with China to support Chinese language education, youth empowerment initiatives and broader people-to-people engagement.
Other speakers, including Prof. Muya, Mr Zhang and the Confucius Institute directors, expressed satisfaction with the growing number of young Zambians learning the Chinese language and contributing to cultural exchange efforts.
The festival featured a variety of performances, including recitation, singing, dancing and martial arts, presented by students and community groups from the Confucius Institute, the Zambia Chinese Association and local international schools. The performances were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The event highlighted the growing cultural ties between Zambia and China, with a strong focus on youth engagement as a foundation for future cooperation.
