A logo design contest for the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges kicked off in Beijing on Tuesday, serving as a prelude to the upcoming yearlong celebration of cultural and civilizational exchanges between China and Africa.

Lu Xiangdong, vice-president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said the decision by Chinese and African leaders to designate 2026 as the Year of People-to-People Exchanges highlights the shared commitment to building an "all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era", adding stability and positive energy to a turbulent world. The aim of the contest, he said, is to create a logo that captures the spirit of friendship, cooperation, and artistic excellence.

Martin Mpana, dean of the African Diplomatic Corps and Cameroon's ambassador to China, emphasized that people-to-people exchanges form the foundation of China-Africa relations. He encouraged artists from both sides to use creativity to deepen mutual understanding and cultural connection, saying such efforts would also help strengthen solidarity and development across the Global South.

Li Qi, counselor at the Department of Africa Affairs, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that 2026 also marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa, making the contest a fitting prelude to broader celebrations under the theme of "Consolidate All-Weather Friendship, Pursue Shared Dream of Modernization".

Jointly organized by the CPAFFC, the China International Communications Group's Center for Europe and Africa, and the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, the contest will accept entries from October to November, with the winning design being unveiled in December as the official logo for the Year.