From May 23rd to 25th, the grand celebrations of the 2026 Africa Day were held at the headquarters of the African Union. More than 2,000 participants, including AU officials, diplomatic envoys and friendly personages, attended the event. H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, was present and addressed the gathering. H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of Burundi and rotating Chair of the AU, delivered a video speech. H.E. Amb. Jiang Feng, head of the Mission of China to the AU, was invited and delivered a speech as the only representative of partner countries. 

Amb. Jiang noted that the 63rd anniversary of Africa Day coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Africa, a dual milestone that bears witness to the journey of China and Africa standing together through thick and thin and striving side by side. Standing at a new historical starting point, China is ready to further deepen practical cooperation with Africa, strengthen international coordination and people-to-people exchanges, and write a new chapter in mutual friendship.

Youssouf stated that the AU has gained an increasingly prominent standing in international affairs and a stronger voice on major global platforms including the G20. He thanked China, a reliable partner, for its long-standing firm support for Africa’s economic development, regional integration, peace and security endeavors. The AU stands ready to deepen cooperation with China to pursue common prosperity.

During the event, the Mission of China to AU took part in a unique friendly football match with teams from the AU and its member states. A special booth featuring Chinese culture was set up at the African Products Exhibition Area, adding a touch of vibrant Chinese red to the splendid celebrations of Africa Day.