The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria has called on young people across Nigeria and the African continent to take up more active roles in promoting cooperation, strengthening diplomatic ties and advancing the vision of a closer China-Africa relationship built on mutual growth and shared prosperity.
The appeal was made on Monday during the China-Nigeria Youth Exchange Seminar on China-Africa Community with a Shared Future, held in Abuja and organised by the Chinese Embassy in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
Speaking at the seminar, Minister Zhou Hongyou of the Chinese Embassy described the youth population as a powerful force capable of shaping the future of international cooperation between China, Nigeria and the wider African continent.
According to him, the gathering served as an important platform for meaningful dialogue, cultural exchange and collaborative engagement between young Nigerians and their Chinese counterparts, especially at a time when global partnerships are becoming increasingly important in addressing modern economic and social challenges.
Hongyou noted that both China and African nations share longstanding diplomatic and economic ties that have continued to grow over the years through investments, trade, infrastructure development, education partnerships and people-to-people exchanges.
He said young people must now take centre stage in sustaining and expanding these relationships, stressing that the future of the China-Africa partnership would largely depend on the ability of youths to embrace cooperation, innovation and mutual understanding.
It’s great to be here with all energetic young people from China and Nigeria, talking about how we can build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future,” Hongyou said during his address.
The envoy further explained that the concept of a “China-Africa community with a shared future” reflects a commitment to common development goals, peaceful cooperation and collective prosperity among nations facing similar development aspirations.
He added that beyond government-level agreements, stronger ties among young people through education, entrepreneurship, technology and cultural understanding would help build lasting friendships and stronger institutions.
Quoting Chinese President Xi Jinping, Hongyou highlighted the importance of international youth cooperation in confronting global issues such as poverty, climate change, unemployment, insecurity and technological transformation.
“In today’s world, the future of people of all countries is closely linked together. Young people in all countries should establish a global vision and enhance their awareness of cooperation through education, and work together for a better future of mankind,” he stated.
Participants at the seminar included students, youth leaders, government officials, development experts and representatives of youth-focused organisations from both countries.
Discussions at the event focused on educational opportunities, digital innovation, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange and strategies for strengthening Africa-China partnerships in the years ahead.
Officials at the gathering also stressed the need for African youths to take advantage of educational scholarships, vocational programmes and innovation initiatives being promoted through China-Africa cooperation frameworks.
They noted that Nigeria, with one of the largest youth populations in Africa, stands to benefit significantly from stronger international partnerships that support skills acquisition, industrialisation, technological development and employment generation.
The seminar also provided participants with opportunities to exchange ideas on leadership, sustainable development and regional integration, while encouraging cross-cultural understanding between Chinese and African youths.
Observers say China has continued to expand its engagement with African countries through infrastructure financing, trade agreements, educational exchanges and investment partnerships, with Nigeria remaining one of its major strategic partners on the continent.
In recent years, both countries have strengthened cooperation in areas such as rail transportation, telecommunications, energy, manufacturing and cultural exchange programmes.
Monday’s seminar is expected to further deepen youth-driven diplomatic engagement and encourage greater collaboration between emerging leaders from both nations.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that stronger youth participation in bilateral relations would help foster innovation, economic growth and peaceful cooperation while laying the foundation for a more inclusive and interconnected global future.
The organisers also reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining youth exchange initiatives that promote mutual respect, shared learning and long-term collaboration between China and African countries.
