From the dusty army barracks of Cranborne in Harare to coaching one of Japan’s top women’s volleyball teams, Zimbabwean-born Murray Pole Ndlovu’s journey is a story of faith, resilience and purpose. Now an assistant coach at Okayama Seagulls, a professional team in Japan’s elite S.V League, Ndlovu’s rise is anything but ordinary. His story begins in a military camp, takes root in Zimbabwe’s modest volleyball scene, and grows into a quiet revolution for African sports representation abroad. Early Beginnings in…

In December 2024, I had the distinct pleasure of visiting Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s bustling cultural and economic hub, to attend the Abidjan International Film Festival (SICA) at the invitation of the Ministry of Communication of that country. While the primary purpose of my trip was to engage in the festival’s activities, my time in Abidjan was filled with a diverse range of experiences that highlighted the city’s unique blend of nature, architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Immersing in Nature: A Walk-Through…

Join Xinhua correspondent Yao Kaien as she challenges herself to dive into the exotic flavors and culture. You will be surprised by how deep the ties run between China and Central Asia. African Times has published this article in partnership with Xinhua News Agency

Nestled deep within the Nujiang Grand Canyon, unique ethnic cultures are driving rural revitalisation in Yunnan Province’s Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture. Relying on its rich intangible cultural heritage, the region integrates agriculture, culture, and tourism to create new opportunities for once-isolated communities.  Melodies of joy   When approaching Baihualing Village in the prefecture’s Lushui City, visitors are greeted by a vibrant sea of mountain flowers and the distant sound of music. Surrounded by forests and accompanied by the rustling of the…

During Harare’s jacaranda blooming season, the streets are filled with a rich floral fragrance. It was this captivating aroma that first caught the attention of Zhao Ke, then a 28-year-old man, as he paused to take it in. Little did he know that this moment would mark the beginning of a nearly three-decade-long connection with Zimbabwe.  Now 56, Zhao, a Chinese entrepreneur from Liaoning Province, arrived in Zimbabwe in 1996 to establish his business. With sharp business acumen and unwavering…

In 2024, I had the honour of being part of a special invitation program for exchange and cooperation between South Korea and Africa. I visited Seoul, South Korea, just ahead of the highly anticipated Korea-Africa Summit which took place in June 2024. During this immersive trip, I explored Seoul’s cutting-edge innovations, rich cultural heritage, and strong diplomatic ties with Africa, while also reflecting on the connections between South Korea and  Zambia. The DMZ: A Powerful Glimpse into the Divided Peninsula…

In the digital age, where traditional culture is in danger of gradually disappearing, one iconic figure has taken it upon herself to reverse the trend by reviving traditional skills. A prominent Chinese vlogger, Li Ziqi, whose birth name is Li Jiajia, has amassed a vast online following by reinterpreting traditions that date back thousands of years. Following a three-year absence from social media, she made a highly anticipated return with the release of three new videos in mid-November 2024. These…

Uttar Pradesh (UP) is India’s true treasure, a state in the middle of the country that reflects its culture, spirituality, and topography. Shri Mukesh Kumar Meshram, IAS, the Principal Secretary of Uttar Pradesh Tourism, believes tourism in India is experiencing a revolution. From Buddhist circuits and rural homely stays to the sensationally huge Mahakumbh event, the state is developing opportunities to connect with its domestic and international spectators. After all, he says, tourism is not about numbers; there is more…

Riding along Xiamen’s Xinglin Bay Marine Bicycle Lane feels like gliding between the sea and sky. This 2.6-km-long pathway, built above the sea, links two sides of the bay.  Every weekend, the lane, situated along the coastline in Xiamen’s Jimei District, transforms into a hotspot for visitors. Among them is Theogene Habumugisha, a Rwandan living in Xiamen.  “This is my favourite scenic spot in Xiamen. My friends and I often come here to ride. The scenery is delightful, the air…

Meli Ndlovu is not your average cyclist. With the wind in his face and a burning passion in his heart, Ndlovu has become an inspiring figure in the world of long-distance cycling.  Over the past few years, he has cycled countless miles across Southern Africa, often solo and sometimes with a team, sharing his love for cycling and spreading important messages. But what’s next for this cycling enthusiast? A monumental journey that will take him from the southern tip of…