DAR ES SALAAM — A century-old Chinese laborer’s arrival in Tanzania, a family’s transoceanic correspondence, a community’s effort to restore a historic cemetery, and a contemporary motorcycle company’s expansion in the country may seem unrelated. Yet, they are interconnected through the enduring people-to-people relationship between Tanzania and China. This narrative is central to the 'Africa and Jiangmen Overseas Chinese Special Exhibition,' currently on display at the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre (EACL) from August 26 to September 25, 2025. The event coincides with the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic ties and the designation of 2025 as the 'China-Africa People-to-People Exchange Year,' highlighting how personal and cultural connections shape international relations beyond formal diplomacy.
The exhibition traces Tanzania-China ties to the early 20th century, when Chinese laborers were recruited during the construction of the Central Railway under German colonial rule. Many hailed from Kaiping, a city in Jiangmen, Guangdong Province, and their migration marked the beginning of a broader Chinese presence in Africa. Their legacy persists in Dar es Salaam, where the Chinese cemetery—home to many Kaiping workers—became a focal point for transnational family connections. In 2014, Tanzanian activist Ms. Fatuma drew public attention to the cemetery’s dilapidated state, prompting a community-led restoration effort. This initiative later gained traction when Mr. Zhu, head of the Tanzania Chinese Assistance Centre, shared the story with Chinese media, including CCTV, leading to support from Jiangmen’s authorities.
The cemetery’s revival exemplifies how historical ties endure through generations. In 2018, the Kaiping Overseas Chinese Affairs Office traced descendants of those buried in Tanzania, including Lao Chaoyu, a relative of a deceased migrant. This effort underscored the emotional and cultural significance of maintaining links across borders. Such exchanges, the exhibition argues, are not limited to migration but also encompass education, trade, and cultural practices. For instance, Chinese-language education in Africa expanded after China’s reform and opening-up, with Confucius Institutes and weekend classes fostering cross-cultural understanding. Traditional practices like Chinese martial arts and Spring Festival celebrations also gained traction in Tanzanian communities.
Modern commercial ties further illustrate evolving people-to-people interactions. Jiangmen’s Heshan city, known for its motorcycle industry, established a 40-mu production base in Yayao Town in 2025, with Guangdong Shiwang Motorcycle Co Ltd investing 147 million yuan. The company now operates over 150 dealers in Tanzania, with its KINGLION brand dominating the market. This partnership reflects how economic collaboration creates networks involving manufacturers, traders, and consumers, extending beyond state-level agreements.
The exhibition also highlights cultural heritage through Jiangmen’s architectural legacy, including Diaolou watchtowers and Qilou arcade buildings, alongside Qiaopi letters—historical remittance documents exchanged between overseas Chinese and their families. These artifacts emphasize migration’s role in sustaining relationships through communication and financial support. In Tanzania, such connections are evident in the cemetery’s preservation and the Chinese community’s engagement with local businesses, reinforcing the social fabric of China-Tanzania relations.
By blending historical narratives with contemporary examples, the exhibition reveals how people-to-people exchanges shape international dynamics. From early laborers to modern investors, the Tanzania-China relationship has evolved through migration, commerce, and cultural exchange. As China and Africa commemorate the People-to-People Exchange Year, the exhibition offers a lens to understand how everyday interactions—whether through letters, trade, or heritage preservation—build lasting bonds. For Tanzania, it serves as a reminder that its ties with China extend far beyond political frameworks, rooted in shared histories and mutual aspirations.
The event underscores that global relations are not solely forged in diplomatic chambers but are also shaped by the resilience of individuals and communities. As Tanzania’s story illustrates, the China-Africa connection remains a living, evolving partnership, driven by the enduring power of human connection.