By CGTN Africa editor Bai Shuang
The year 2026 marks the Year of the Horse in the Chinese lunar calendar. In Chinese culture, the horse is not merely a zodiac sign but a profound symbol of speed, strength, and unremitting self-improvement.
This symbolism serves as a fitting metaphor for the current trajectory of China–Rwanda relations. Just as a galloping horse represents forward motion, the partnership between the two nations is entering a phase of accelerated development and vigorous growth.
In 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Rwandan President Paul Kagame jointly announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing. That same year, bilateral trade reached a record high of approximately 670 million U.S. dollars, reflecting the growing depth and vitality of economic engagement between the two nations.
During his meeting with President Kagame, President Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to implementing the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC Summit. Key areas of focus include strengthening cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, and satellite applications. Furthermore, he expressed China’s willingness to jointly operate the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda and the Luban Workshop, while promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between the two countries.
In return, President Kagame expressed appreciation for China’s role in promoting peace, security, and cooperation in Africa. He reaffirmed Rwanda’s dedication to strengthening governance exchanges, expanding practical cooperation, and jointly advancing the three global initiatives proposed by President Xi.
Since the upgrade of bilateral relations, cooperation between China and Rwanda has expanded across critical sectors, including infrastructure, health, agriculture, and technology.
Education and skills training have emerged as central components of this partnership. Alongside academic exchanges and language education, China and Rwanda are jointly advancing vocational training programs designed to respond directly to labor market needs.
A prominent example is the Chinese-backed Luban Workshop at the Integrated Polytechnic Regional College (IPRC) Musanze in northern Rwanda. By combining hands-on technical training with applied instruction in fields such as electronics, automation, and digital commerce, the institution aims to become Rwanda’s premier center for technical and vocational educational training.
People-to-people exchanges have become an increasingly important pillar of China–Rwanda relations, particularly in the vocational and cultural spheres. Initiatives such as the Luban Workshop and various academic exchanges have done more than build practical skills; they have fostered deep mutual understanding between the two countries.
“Mutual learning between civilizations serves as the most powerful driving force behind China-Africa cooperation,” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted during his recent Africa tour.
The year 2026 carries additional symbolic weight. It marks seven decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and African countries and has been designated as the “China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.” This initiative highlights a shift toward cooperation that places greater emphasis on social connection, knowledge exchange, and cultural empathy.
Within this broader framework, China–Rwanda relations illustrate how diplomacy can evolve from project-based cooperation to a long-term partnership grounded in shared development objectives.
As the Chinese proverb goes, “Distance tests a horse’s strength.” As we enter 2026, the China–Rwanda partnership is defined not by fleeting trends, but by resilience and consistency. It is a relationship built for the long haul, grounded in practical cooperation and a steady commitment to sustainable growth.
