Spring Festival Gala Showcases Cultural Diplomacy and Deepens Tanzania–China Academic Ties
By Renancy Remmy, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam came alive with color, music, and cross-cultural celebration on 13 February 2026 as the Confucius Institute at UDSM hosted its annual Spring Festival Gala, an event that underscored the growing cultural and educational partnership between Tanzania and China.
The celebration brought together university leaders, diplomats, representatives of Chinese enterprises, staff, and students to mark the Chinese New Year and strengthen people-to-people exchange.
Celebrated this year under the symbolism of the Year of the Horse, representing strength, endurance, energy, and the courage to move forward, the gala highlighted how language education and cultural engagement continue to serve as bridges of mutual understanding.
The vibrant campus event reflected the expanding role of higher education institutions in advancing soft diplomacy and global collaboration.
Delivering opening remarks, UDSM Deputy Vice Chancellor - Academic, Prof. Rose Upor, described the Spring Festival as one of the most significant traditions in Chinese culture and a powerful symbol of renewal and unity.
“The celebration here reflects our firm commitment to internationalization and intercultural dialogue. Through platforms such as this, we prepare our students to thrive in a globally interconnected environment”, she said.
She commended the Institute’s contribution since its establishment in 2013, noting that it has evolved into a dynamic hub for Chinese language learning, academic exchange, and cultural literacy. According to her, these initiatives enable Tanzanian students to acquire global competencies, broaden academic horizons, and build networks that transcend borders.
Prof. Upor also acknowledged the longstanding academic collaboration with Zhejiang Normal University, whose support has strengthened curriculum development, staff exchange, and joint programmes.
She emphasized that such partnerships demonstrate how universities can act as instruments of diplomacy by fostering respect, cooperation, and shared progress.
A metaphor for resilience and determination
Representing industry partners, Mr. Wang Qi of China Communications Construction Company reflected on the meaning of the Year of the Horse as a metaphor for the resilience and determination underpinning Tanzania–China collaboration.
“These values mirror the spirit of our partnership, moving forward together through innovation, infrastructure development, and cultural cooperation,” he said.
He highlighted the company’s broader engagement beyond infrastructure, referencing joint initiatives with the Institute such as cultural exchange activities, Chinese language competitions, and United Nations Chinese Language Day celebrations. “These programmes strengthen trust and deepen societal connections alongside economic cooperation”.
Remarks from the Cultural Section of the Embassy of China in Tanzania emphasized that cultural exchange remains a cornerstone of bilateral relations. The representative observed that universities play a pivotal role in shaping future cooperation by nurturing globally minded graduates who value diversity and shared development.
“Institutions of higher learning are vital in cultivating the next generation of leaders who will carry forward the friendship between our two nations,” he stated.
The gala featured lively performances of traditional Chinese music, dance, and artistic displays symbolizing harmony and prosperity. Tanzanian students actively participated, reflecting the deepening intercultural appreciation fostered through language study and exchange programmes.
The atmosphere blended celebration with learning, illustrating how culture can unite communities across continents.
In a joint message of appreciation, the Institute’s Chinese Director, Prof. Zhang Yanjun and Tanzanian Director, Dr. Mussa Hans thanked the University leadership, partners, and students for sustaining the programme’s momentum.
“The Institute is a bridge that connects hearts and minds through education and culture Language learning opens doors to understanding, cooperation, and opportunity in today’s globalized world”, Prof. Zhang said.
More than a festive occasion, the 2026 Spring Festival Gala reaffirmed the University’s role as a hub for international engagement – where academia, diplomacy, and industry converge to advance educational collaboration, innovation, and enduring Tanzania–China friendship.
As participants looked ahead to the new lunar year, the shared message was clear: cultural dialogue remains a powerful foundation for sustainable global partnerships.