By Saul Molobi
In a historic step toward rebalancing global narratives and strengthening South–South cooperation, media organisations and think tanks from China and across the African continent formally launched and adopted the Global South Joint Communication Partnership Network’s “2026 China–Africa Empowerment Action Plan” in Johannesburg on 14 November 2025.
The announcement was made at the conclusion of the two-day China–Africa Partnership Conference of the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum, which convened over 200 delegates under the themes “Reforming Global Governance: New Roles and Visions for China–Africa Commitments to Global South Revitalisation” and “China–Africa Exchange in Global Civilizational Coexistence.”
A Call to Rebalance Global Narratives
In its preamble, the adopted Action Plan acknowledges a world undergoing profound transformation. With multipolarity rapidly taking shape, Global South nations have become indispensable drivers of peace, development, and civilizational dialogue. Yet, the delegates noted, the global narrative system remains tilted—frequently marginalising or misrepresenting the perspectives, achievements, and aspirations of the Global South.
The statement underscores that the media and think tanks hold a “unique historical responsibility” to challenge entrenched biases, counter misinformation, dismantle the monopoly of Western discourse, and “jointly craft a more just and inclusive narrative of our own.”
Delegates affirmed that China–Africa cooperation—already a globally recognised model of South–South partnership—must now extend into the realm of narrative sovereignty, communication collaboration, and shared storytelling.
Five Core Areas of Consensus
The Action Plan defines five pillars of collective commitment:
- Embracing Multipolarity
Delegates support a more democratic global governance architecture that gives equal voice and representation to Global South nations. - Upholding Objectivity and Justice
The network commits to fair, factual, and professional journalism and academic work, rejecting stigmatization, misinformation, and ideological manipulation. - Prioritizing Shared Development
Media and think tanks will amplify stories of poverty reduction, industrialisation, food security, sustainable development, and other successes within Global South countries. - Strengthening Partnerships
Delegates reaffirmed the value of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and committed to deeper analytical work and broader dissemination of its collaborative achievements. - Promoting Inter-Civilizational Dialogue
Participants endorsed mutual learning among cultures, rejecting divisive narratives such as the “clash of civilizations” and advocating respect, inclusivity, and coexistence.
The 2026 China–Africa Empowerment Action Plan: Concrete Steps for Collaboration
To translate consensus into action, the Global South Joint Communication Partnership Network unveiled five major empowerment programmes set for rollout in 2026:
- China–Africa Young Professionals Exchange
Journalists, editors, scholars, and influential digital communicators from African partner institutions will undertake field visits, seminars, and cultural exchange programmes in China. - AI Capacity-Building for Media and Think Tanks
African media professionals and scholars will take part in training programmes in China on artificial intelligence technologies, exploring new AI-driven models for news production and policy research. - China–Africa Industry Dialogue Media Series
African industry leaders will be featured in an interview-driven programme showcasing investment environments, industrial strengths, policy support, and market opportunities across African countries—aimed at boosting trade and investment cooperation. - Expanded Participation in Global South Forums
African institutions will be invited to participate more deeply in the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum and its annual activities. - Joint Content Creation and Collaborative Communication
Partner institutions will co-produce special features, joint editions, mutual publications, collaborative research, and co-authored policy documents, enhancing integrated storytelling across the Global South Media Network.
A Shared Vision for a New Era
Delegates concluded that the Global South is rising with “remarkable momentum,” propelled by rapid technological transformation and shifting geopolitical dynamics. These changes create fresh opportunities to reshape global values beyond Western-centric paradigms.
The leaders committed to using the Global South Joint Communication Partnership Network to deepen co-creation, strengthen collaborative communication, and amplify the collective voice of emerging nations.
“With unity of heart, path, and action,” the statement reads, “we are building an all-weather China–Africa community with a shared future for the new era.”
The adopted plan positions communication, narrative sovereignty, and knowledge-sharing as strategic tools for collective prosperity—affirming a bold, coordinated step toward redefining the storytelling power of the Global South.