From Mogadishu to Shanghai and Beijing: My Cultural Exchange Experience in China
15 August, 2026
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China and Somalia share a strategic partnership founded on principles of mutual respect, sovereignty, and territorial integrity and our role is to strengthen the historic friendship between the peoples of China and Somalia by promoting mutual understanding, facilitating cultural and educational exchange, and supporting capacity-building initiatives that contribute to Somalia’s vision for peace, stability, and self-reliance
For centuries, the winds of the Indian Ocean have connected the shores of Somalia and China. Today, that ancient maritime bond has evolved into a modern, action-oriented Comprehensive Strategic Friendship.
Friends of China in Somalia – FOCs is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the bridges between the peoples of Somalia and China. We believe in a future where Somali peace and Chinese development go hand in hand.
Old friends, New horizons
Friendship grows when young people learn about each other, And every year, China provides full scholarships to Somali students to encourage them to study in China & serve for Somalia.
When Somalia faced its most critical health challenges, China was among the first to respond. In 2022, China renovated the Operation Theater of Banadir Hospital, built in 1977 as part of a Chinese development project.
Building a stable Somalia requires hard infrastructure and soft skills. China started investing in both, from the National Theatre to Banadir Hospital. These projects serve as enduring symbols of bilateral cooperation.
In times of drought and displacement, China has stood with Somalia. In March 2026, China contributed $2 million in cash assistance and food aid intended to help communities impacted by the ongoing drought across the country.
what makes us different
Establish free community-based language exchange programme (Mandarin classes for Somali youth and Somali lessons for Chinese expats and professionals, while organizing cultural festivals that showcase Chinese traditions (e.g., Spring Festival) and Somali poetry, music, and dance.
Organize annual Somali-China cultural festivals, film screenings, and art exhibitions to celebrate both nations’ heritage.
Establish, recruit, grow and maintain a Verified, Active Membership Base of registered members (China alumni, Somali students, professionals, and Chinese diaspora) on the NGO’s online /offline platforms and engage them through our programmes.
Activate a Local Ambassador Program to Train and deploy Friendship Ambassadors (e.g former and current scholarship recipients, Chines friends) across the regions of Somalia as well as in China for organizing local meetups regularly.
Establish a China Alumni Forum to share best practices in entrepreneurship, education and skill development.
Create a people-to-people ambassador program focused on digital storytelling about Somali-Chinese cooperation and countering misinformation.
Mobilize Chinese diaspora and corporate partners to fund small-scale infrastructure projects in Somalia (e.g., language exchange and cultural programmes).
Implement vocational skills training centers in Mogadishu, Hargeisa, and Kismayo using Chinese equipment and Somali-Chinese instructor teams
Connecting Communities, Creating Opportunities
The Friends of China in Somalia regularly organizes and participates in a wide range of events that celebrate the deep-rooted friendship between Somalia and China, while fostering new opportunities for cooperation and mutual understanding.
Get Involved – Whether you’re looking to attend, sponsor, or collaborate, there’s a place for you in our growing calendar of events.
"Facts, Announcements, and Milestones in Somali-Chinese Friendship"
Welcome to the Friends Of China in Somalia – FOCs. Here you will find official statements, press releases, and updates regarding our activities fostering Sino-Somali friendship.
A Call to Action for Friends of China in Somalia.
Every Somali who has benefited from Chinese-built hospitals, roads, and security cooperation — every Somali who dreams of a stable and united Somalia — must now raise their voice. We must reject this provocation in the strongest possible terms. We must demand that the Somali federal government intensify its diplomatic campaign to isolate the Hargeisa-Taipei axis. And we must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Chinese people in their just cause for national reunification, just as they have stood with us.
Whether you're a long-time partner, a cultural enthusiast, or someone interested in strengthening the bonds between China and Somalia — we’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, questions, collaboration ideas, or just say hello. Your message matters to us.
Grand plaza , 1st floor, bureau 112
Makka Almukarrama Strt, Hodan Dist., Mogadishu.
contact@friendsofchina.so
061-961-5310
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