The Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) is a diplomatic framework proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 2023.
Presented as a response to perceived global division, it advocates for respect for civilizational diversity, peaceful coexistence, and cultural exchange.
Speaking at a one-day webinar themed “The Benefits of China’s Four Global Initiatives to Africa,” Virgile Rwanyagatare, Director General for Asia, Pacific and Middle East at Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Rwanda believes the GCI provides an opportunity to deepen people-to-people collaboration between the two countries.
“Rwanda believes that through the GCI, we can deepen collaboration with China in tourism, arts, education, and media, strengthening the foundations of friendship and mutual understanding between African and Chinese peoples,” Rwanyagatare said.
The webinar, organized by Africa-China Review in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, brought together policymakers, scholars, and experts from both sides to discuss how Africa can leverage China’s Four Global Initiatives; the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), and Global Governance Initiative (GGI).
These initiatives reflect China’s wisdom in tackling transnational challenges through multilateral cooperation and a shared future for humanity.
Since their inception, they have gained support from over 100 countries and international organizations.
Rwanyagatare commended China for being a trusted partner in Rwanda’s development journey, particularly through investments in infrastructure, health, technology, and education.
He also acknowledged the significance of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as a platform translating South-South cooperation into tangible outcomes.
He noted that the four initiatives align with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and Rwanda’s Vision 2050, both of which emphasize inclusive growth, peace, and global collaboration.
“Rwanda remains committed to strengthening its excellent relations with the People’s Republic of China, with active engagements in the implementation of the Four Global Initiatives for the benefit of our peoples,” he concluded.
China’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Gao Wenqi, also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Rwanda and other African nations under the Four Global Initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping.
Speaking at the webinar themed “The Benefits of China’s Four Global Initiatives to Africa”, Amb. Gao said the initiatives have “moved beyond concept to practice,” delivering tangible results across Africa.
He highlighted China’s role as Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching a record $295.6 billion in 2024, and noted that in June 2025, China granted zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries, further boosting access to Chinese markets.
On peace and security, Gao reaffirmed China’s support for “African solutions to African problems,” emphasizing Beijing’s contributions to UN peacekeeping operations, military training, and regional stability efforts.
He also underscored growing cooperation in education and culture, citing platforms such as the China-Africa Youth Festival, Confucius Institutes, and Luban Workshops, as well as over 2,000 Rwandan students currently studying in China.
The ambassador further explained that China’s approach to global governance reform is grounded in its successful domestic governance model, emphasizing efficiency, integrity, and transparency, principles reflected in the country’s “Eight-Point Regulation.”
The latter is a set of regulations stipulated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 2012 aimed at instilling more discipline among party members and making the party “closer to the masses”.
The session was moderated by Gerald Mbanda, Founder of Africa-China Review.
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