The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, in collaboration with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has convened a Youth Cultural Exchange Seminar in Abuja aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering youth-driven economic cooperation.
Organised by the China Cultural Centre under the theme, “China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,” the seminar brought together diplomats, government officials, young innovators, and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to explore opportunities in technology, trade, and international collaboration.
Delivering the keynote address, Chinese Minister Zhou Hongyou described 2026 as a landmark year, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Africa and the 55th anniversary of bilateral relations between China and Nigeria.
To advance the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, Zhou announced that China had, from May 1, 2026, implemented a zero-tariff policy on all imports from 53 African countries maintaining diplomatic relations with Beijing.
Highlighting the importance of global cooperation, he quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision of a shared future for humanity.
“Amidst the raging torrents of a global crisis, countries are not riding separately in some 190 small boats, but are rather all in a giant ship on which our shared destiny hinges,” Zhou said.
He encouraged young people to take an active role in strengthening China-Africa relations, describing them as key drivers of future cooperation and development.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Director of Education and Youth Development, Mr. Despan Kwardem, commended participants for the quality of discussions generated during the seminar’s breakout sessions.
The discussions, which focused on Public Diplomacy, Pragmatic Economic Cooperation, and People-to-People Exchanges, identified youth entrepreneurship and innovation as critical drivers of sustainable economic growth.
Kwardem urged participants to rethink traditional approaches to international partnerships, emphasizing mutual development rather than dependence on foreign assistance.
“Communities are no longer bound by geographical locations or GPS. Communities have moved on and become digital. You can have health technology ecosystems, artificial intelligence communities, and many other digital networks that connect people globally,” he said.
The seminar also provided a platform for NYSC members serving in Abuja to contribute perspectives on youth participation in international cooperation.
One participant, Alhasan Isu, stressed the importance of cultural understanding and communication in strengthening global partnerships. He noted that simple gestures, such as learning basic greetings like “Ni Hao,” can help bridge cultural divides and foster stronger relationships.
He further observed that while Chinese-made technology products are widely used across Nigerian homes, meaningful development requires Nigerian youth to move beyond consumption and become active contributors to technological innovation.
Another participant, Abiodun Grace, emphasized the value of preparation in taking advantage of emerging opportunities. Referencing a panel discussion about a missed international scholarship opportunity due to inadequate readiness, she encouraged young people to invest in early planning, research, and skill development.
Grace also pointed to China’s structured five-year development planning model as an example of long-term strategic thinking that Nigerian youth could emulate in their personal and professional lives.
The seminar concluded with a commitment from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to pursue policies that promote digital skills acquisition, technological capacity building, and greater adaptability to evolving global markets.
As diplomatic relations between Abuja and Beijing continue to strengthen, participants agreed that the networks and partnerships being built by young people today will play a vital role in shaping the future technological and economic relationship between China and Africa.
