How youths are playing vital role in Africa-China ties

BY SARAH MARJOREY

Youths from African countries and China under the Africa-China Leaders Association (ACL) have shared insights into working together with China to build Africa under the theme of a legacy through people-to-people engagement. Youth speakers from different countries shared their thoughts on different fields of e-commerce, health, agriculture, education, culture and entrepreneurship — Africa-Sino relationship.

The event, which was held online and offline, saw entrepreneurs, musicians, students share their contributions and support for the promotion of Africa-China relations, and also celebrate the Chinese New Year.

H.E Wu Peng, director-general of the African division of China’s ministry of foreign affairs, congratulated the youth leaders on their active role in building bilateral friendship and intensifying cooperation between Africa and China.

H.E Hu Zhangliang, China’s ambassador to Sierra Leone, singled out the responsibility of African youths in building a community of shared future for humankind, through peace promotion and development of society.

H.E Sarah Serem, Kenya’s ambassador to the people’s Republic of China and former South African-Asian Ambassador, appraised the increasing bilateral trade and infrastructure investment between Africa and China and strengthening talent cultivation for self-sustained development.

H.E Get Grobler encouraged the youths to participate in more interpersonal exchanges, adding that he is looking forward to more involvement in the new year.

Mariatu Kargbo, ACL founder from Sierra Leone, noted that she founded the organisation out of her passion for telling African stories in China, her continent and the globe. She stated that her stories would be told by emphasising culture and economic uniqueness. This has created a platform for African youths to participate and share their personal experiences and contributions towards China and Africa, cooperating closely on the path to common prosperity.

Joseph Olivier Mendo, ACL president from Cameroon, added that ACL is a platform founded and run by youth representatives who believe in a common goal of a shared future and who are determined to build a people-to-people bond between Africa and China through bilateral initiatives and activities in various fields.

“It’s more of a vibrant community that captures support and energy from like-minded African, Chinese youths who are keen to make substantial contributions to the sustainable development of mutual friendship engagement between both parties,” Mendo said.

Youth participation is vital to Africa–China relationship as 60% of Africa’s 1.3 billion people are now under the age of 25, with a median age of 19.7 years. This sets the youth as the driving force to promote solidarity and cooperation between the two sides, deepen friendship and seek common development.

Marjorey, a student, writes from China.