Chinese Embassy in Somalia

Notice on Launch of AI Case Innovation Competition and Study Visit for African Youth

The year 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and African countries as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. The traditional friendship between China and Africa enjoys a long history and has grown ever stronger over time. Against the backdrop of a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, artificial intelligence is bringing fresh momentum to China-Africa friendship and cooperation.

To further enhance China-Africa people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in scientific and technological innovation, actively promote cultivation and practical empowerment of young talent in the field of artificial intelligence, and build a bridge for mutual learning and common development among Chinese and African youth, the Secretariat of the Chinese Follow-up Committee of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will organize an AI Case Innovation Competition and Study Visit for African Youth. Prize winners will have the opportunity to visit China for AI-related exchange and study activities. The event has been included in the list of Key Activities for 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

I. Activity Overview

Under the theme of “AI for a Smarter Future, China and Africa Advancing Together on a New Journey”, this activity is open to youth from African countries for a broad solicitation of AI application cases, which may focus on areas including public well-being, scientific and technological progress, industrial application, cultural exchanges and talent development, with the aim of selecting AI application practices that demonstrate innovation, exemplary value, and potential for broader replication. Selected entries will be compiled into a case collection. Award winners will receive certificates and prizes, and outstanding representatives will be invited to China for study visits and exchange activities. The key areas for case submission are as follows:

Public Well-being: Innovative AI application practices that improve the efficiency of public services, optimize social governance, and enhance public well-being.

Scientific and Technological Progress: AI-enabled achievements in scientific research, results transfer and application, and practical implementation, contributing to technological advancement and development of an ecosystem for innovation.

Industrial Application: Practical exploration of AI in empowering digital transformation of traditional industries, fostering emerging business models, and promoting the development of digital economy.

Cultural Exchanges: The application and integration of AI in promoting mutual learning among civilizations, innovation in cultural communication, and cross-cultural exchanges.

Talent Development: Exploration of AI-enabled education, with a focus on improving digital literacy, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and strengthening skills training, so as to foster comprehensive qualities and practical capabilities suited to future industrial development.

Other Areas: AI application and innovation practices that are forward-looking, comprehensive, or with a focus on cross-sector integration.

II. Eligibility

This competition is open to youth from African countries, including university students, young researchers from research institutions, young representatives from start-ups and innovation teams, young professionals in artificial intelligence and related fields, as well as other young people engaged in AI application practice or demonstrating innovation potential and practical experience.

III. Timeline

Case Submission: From now until May 29
Evaluation: May 30 to June 12
Study Visit: Arrangement to be further notified
Registration Link: https://ecnxdbgxnkac.feishu.cn/share/base/form/shrcnOZjhi7LTFB6eLAFb6ej5Ve

Spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council made remarks in response to media reports on Lai Ching-te’s reported sneaking into Eswatini.

See the full text:
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202605/1360199.shtml

Starting from 1 May, China will implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. This demonstrates China’s commitment to expanding high-standard opening up.

H.E. Wang Yu, Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, met with the Commander of Custodial Corps and Correctional Services, Major General Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Hamud and exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson’s Remarks on Taiwan Authorities’ “Postponement of Lai Ching-te’s Visit” to Eswatini

GUO Jiakun: All African countries, with the sole exception of Eswatini, have established diplomatic ties with China. These 53 countries together with the African Union have adopted the Beijing Declaration at the 2024 FOCAC Summit. They have reiterated on many occasions that they firmly uphold the one-China principle, there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and they firmly support all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification. China highly commends relevant countries’ commitment to the one-China principle which is fully consistent with international law and basic norms governing international relations. It’s very clear that there’s no longer a so-called “ROC president” in the world anymore. Anyone who wears that false title is acting against history and will only invite disgrace upon themselves. The one-China principle is where the arc of history bends and public opinion trends, and to uphold it is the right thing to do. No one can ever stop the eventual reunification of China. The separatist attempts aimed at “Taiwan independence” are just futile and doomed to fail.

On 22 April, the launching ceremony of Center for Research on Chinese Modernization was held at the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Ambassador Wang Yu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, H.E. Hamza Haadow and other senior officials attended the ceremony.

Ambassador Wang Yu extended warm congratulations for the launching of the Center, and elaborated on the unique features and global significance of Chinese Modernization as well as key points of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. Ambassador Wang emphasized that China would like to join hands with Somalia to implement the outcomes of FOCAC Beijing summit, enhance governance experience sharing with Somalia and other African countries, and contribute to the modernization of Global South.

Permanent Secretary Haadow said that the Center is the latest achievement of Somali-China relations and a valuable platform for enhancing exchanges and mutual understanding. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia will facilitate the sustainable operation of the Center, making contributions to the mutual learning between the two countries and the development of Somalia-China relations.

On 22 April , H.E. Wang Yu, Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, met with Somali Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir.

Ambassador Wang said that, guided by the important consensus of the two heads of state, China-Somalia strategic partnership has maintained a sound momentum of development in recent years. The Chinese side supports Somalia’s efforts in safeguarding its sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity, and is ready to work with the Somali side to further enhance educational cooperation, so as to contribute to the rebuilding and development of Somalia and bring greater benefits to the two peoples.

Minister Farah expressed gratitude for China’s long-standing support to Somalia, and highly appreciated the strong mutual support between Somalia and China on issues concerning each other’s core interests. He said that Somalia looks forward to deepening cooperation and exchanges with China in the field of education.

On April 13, 2026, H.E. Hu Changchun, Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Affairs of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, paid an official visit to Somalia and met respectively with Somali President H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Foreign Minister H.E. Abdisalam Abdi Ali. H.E. Wang Yu, Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, participated in the official functions of the visit.

13-ki Abriil, 2026, Mudane Hu Changchun, Ergayga Gaarka ah ee Arrimaha Geeska ee Wasaaradda Arrimaha Dibadda Shiinaha, ayaa booqasho rasmi ah ku yimid Soomaaliya waxa uuna si isku xigta ula kulmay Madaxweynaha Soomaaliya, Mudane Hassan Sheekh Maxamuud iyo Wasiirka Arrimaha Dibadda, Mudane Cabdisalaam Cabdi Cali. Mudane Wang Yu, safiirka Dowladda Shiinaha ee Soomaaliya, ayaa qayb ka ahaa shaqooyinka rasmiga ah ee booqashada.

Special Envoy Hu Changchun said that China attaches great importance to the development of China-Somalia relations and supports Somalia’s efforts in safeguarding its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. Guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, the Chinese side is ready to work with the Somali side to deepen political trust, expand practical cooperation and enhance multilateral coordination so as to strengthen the strategic partnership. The Chinese side wishes to join hands with the Somali side to advance the “Initiative of Peaceful Development in the Horn of Africa” and make contributions to the peace and development of the region.

Ergayga Gaarka ah, Hu Changchun ayaa sheegay in Shiinuhu uu muhiimad weyn siinayo horumarka Xiriirka Shiinaha iyo Soomaaliya uuna taageerayo dadaallada Soomaaliya ee ilaalinta gobanimadeeda, midnimadeeda iyo madaxbannaanideeda dhuleed, Iyada oo ay hagayaan isfahanka ay gaareen madaxda labada dal, Shiinaha waxa uu dhankiisa diyaar u yahay in uu dhinaca Soomaaliya kala shaqeeyo sidii loo xoojin lahaa kalsoonida siyaasadeed, loo ballaarin lahaa iskaashiga miro dhalka ah loona kobcin lahaa isku duwidda dhinacyada badan, si loo sii adkeeyo iskaashiga istaraatiijiga ah. Shiinuhu dhankiisa waxa uu rajeynayaa in dhinaca Soomaaliya ay gacmaha is qabsadaan si loo dardar geliyo “Hindisaha Horumarka Nabadeed ee Geeska Afrika” si wax looga qabto arrimaha nabadda iyo horumarka ee gobolka.

The Somali side said that Somalia firmly adheres to the One-China principle and appreciates China’s constant support to the economic development and national construction of Somalia. The Somali side is ready to work with China to expand practical cooperation in various fields and strengthen communication and coordination in international affairs. The Somali side is committed to creating favorable environment for the two countries’ practical cooperation.

Soomaaliya ayaa dhankeeda sheegtay in ay si adag u taageereyso madba’a Shiine mid ah kana mahad cellineyso taageerada joogtada ah ee Shiinuhu ku bixiyo horumarka dhaqaale iyo dhismaha qaranimo ee Soomaaliya. Dhinaca Soomaaliya waxa ay diyaar u tahay in ay Shiinaha kala shaqeyso ballaarinta iskaashiga mira dhalka ah ee dhinayada kala duwan oo ay adkeyso Xiriirka iyo isku xirnaanta ee arrimaha caalamiga ah. Dhinaca Soomaaliya waxa ka go’an in ay abuurto jawi wanaagsan oo ay labada dal ugu yeeshaan wadashaqeyn macno leh.

On April 10, Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee General Secretary Xi Jinping met with the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, and underlined four points about the development of cross-Taiwan Strait relations:

1. Fostering heart-to-heart connection on the basis of correct identity
2. Safeguarding the common homeland through peaceful development
3. Improving public well-being through exchanges and closer ties
4. Striving together for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation

On April 5th, 2026, H.E. Ambassador Wang Yu’s article titled “China: Source of Stability and Positive Energy in Turbulent World” was published by Somali National News Agency. The full text is as follows:

Recently, the spillover effects of the warfare on Iran continues to spread, which has dealt a severe blow to the peace and stability in the Middle East region and the globe, and caused more extensive disruptions to the global energy supply, industrial and supply chains as well as global economy. Many countries, not immune from the pain caused by the escalation and expansion of the geopolitical conflicts, see prices of essential goods such as fuel and food surging.

Amidst the turbulence, China is forging ahead steadily. Its development, characteristic of certainty, steadiness and positiveness, continues to create vast opportunities for the world.

Last month, during the Chinese two sessions, the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development was approved. This outline provides clear strategic goals and policy priorities, and sets out the main targets and major tasks for China’s national development in the next five years. It further reaffirms China’s strategic choice as a staunch force for promoting world peace, stability and development.

China’s economy will maintain stable growth. Despite the complex and challenging situation, the Chinese economy still achieved a growth rate of 5% in 2025. As this year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan, the Chinese government will continue to pursue a more proactive fiscal policy and an appropriately accommodative monetary policy, enhancing the consistency of macro policy orientation and making all-out efforts to achieve the goals of economic and social development. Among them are a GDP growth of 4.5%–5% while striving for better in practice, CPI increase of around 2 % and personal income growth in step with economic growth.

China’s development will feature higher quality and sustainability. Recent years have seen China’s new quality productive forces steadily grown and its industrial structure continually improved. 2025 was a year of booming AI industry in China, as the number of artificial intelligence companies exceeded 6,000 and the scale of China’s core AI industry was to exceed 1.2 trillion yuan (about 174 billion U.S. dollars). Last year, China’s high-tech manufacturing sector grew by 9.4%, the output of industrial robots rose by 28%, and the output of new energy vehicles exceeded 16 million units. China will implement the new development concept in a complete, accurate and comprehensive manner as well as accelerate the building of a new development paradigm, so as to promote high-quality development that takes innovation as the primary driving force, coordination as an endogenous feature, go-green as a prevailing mode, openness as the only path, and sharing as the fundamental goal.

China will expand high-standard opening up. As an advocate of universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, China will commit to free trade, deepen cooperation with other countries, expand opening up steadily at institutional level. It will promote the liberalization and facilitation of global trade and investment, uphold and develop an open world economy, and oppose unilateralism and protectionism, especially tariff wars and exclusive trade blocs. China will advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, further the negotiation and signing of more regional and bilateral trade and investment agreements, boost imports to promote balanced trade, and expand practical cooperation in emerging fields. This means that while shouldering its responsibility as the “world’s factory,” China will also play a better role as the “world’s market.”

China will continue to safeguard international fairness and justice. It will commit itself to maintaining world peace and stability as well as upholding the true multilateralism. Guided by the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative, China will expand equal, open, and cooperative global partnerships, advocate the global governance featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and build broader consensus for an equal and orderly multipolar world.

Recently, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The two sides jointly released the Five-Point Initiative of China and Pakistan For Restoring Peace and Stability in the Gulf and Middle East Region, the key points of which are immediate cessation of hostilities, start of peace talks as soon as possible, security of nonmilitary targets, security of shipping lanes and primacy of the United Nations Charter. This is the latest example of China’s efforts to safeguard the world’s peace and stability as well as implement the Chinese approach to address hotspot issues.

China’s high-quality development and high-standard opening up will create vast cooperation opportunities for countries across the world, including Somalia. Starting from May 1, 2026, China will fully implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries that have established diplomatic relations with China. This important measure will help Africa access the enormous opportunities of the huge Chinese market. Somalia is warmly expected to export high-quality fishery, agricultural, and livestock products to China, by means of which to share the dividends of China’s prosperous market and development.

The year 2026 also marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Under the theme of China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, nearly 600 fantastic exchange activities will be held throughout the year with the purpose of further deepening mutual learning between the Chinese and African civilizations, bringing Chinese and African peoples closer, and carrying forward China-African traditional friendship.

In 2026, China-Somalia relations will also embrace multiple opportunities. Guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, the Chinese side stands ready to work jointly with the Somali side to advance the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, promote the integrated advancement of people-to-people exchange and practical cooperation between our two countries, so as to deepen the China-Somalia Strategic Partnership and jointly build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.