AU Calls for Enhanced Africa-China Digital Cooperation

At the 7th China-Africa Media Forum in Beijing, Ambassador Sarjoh Bah, representing the African Union and speaking on behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, advocated for stronger Africa-China digital innovation cooperation. He highlighted the evolution of Africa-China relations into a strategic partnership founded on solidarity and mutual respect.

Bah emphasized the media's significance as a strategic tool for development, cultural identity, and economic opportunity. He urged African and Chinese media institutions to collaborate in areas such as film, broadcasting, animation, gaming, and digital content, noting that the creative industry could generate jobs and attract investment.

He also stressed the responsible use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to bridge digital divides. Bah identified investment in human capital as crucial for future media cooperation and called for increased professional exchanges and skills development.

The forum coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Africa and China, with 2026 marked as the Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges.