China and African nations took a major step forward in expanding cross-continental cultural and media ties as the 7th Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation opened in Beijing on August 20. Highlighting the deepening partnership, the summit unveiled 80 concrete achievements in radio, film, television, and audio-visual media, setting a collaborative framework for technological innovation, co-productions, and content exchange.
The high-level event convened approximately 400 representatives, including a record-high 33 ministerial-level guests from African countries, alongside media leaders, diplomatic envoys, and international organizations representing China and 45 African nations.
Co-hosted by China’s National Radio and Television Administration, the Beijing Municipal People’s Government, and the African Union of Broadcasting, the forum operated under the theme: “Sharing New Opportunities for Development, Creating a New Future for Audio-Visual Media.”
Delegates formally adopted the Joint Declaration of the 7th Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation, committing to deepen ties in news coverage, content creation, and personnel training. Both sides pledged to implement the broader “China-Africa Cooperation Initiative on Radio, TV and Audio-Visual Innovation,” expanding the reach and technical capabilities of media organizations in both regions.
Technological integration was a core focus of the discussions. Panels examined practical applications of artificial intelligence in audio-visual media, joint industrial ventures, and emerging storytelling formats such as micro-dramas. To drive technological and economic growth, delegates emphasized leveraging media platforms to support wider trade, grassroots engagement, and youth initiatives.
As part of the practical initiatives announced, Chinese and African broadcasters will launch reciprocal programming broadcasts. Selected African productions, including Colorful Cameroon and Burundi: Echoes of the Sacred Drums, will be featured on Chinese television networks. Concurrently, Chinese titles such as To the Wonder and Our Rivers and Mountains, alongside joint productions like Welcome to Maletse, are scheduled for broadcast across mainstream African platforms.
