China seeks greater youth role in deepening Nigeria-Africa ties

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria has urged young people in Nigeria and across Africa to play a more active role in strengthening cooperation and advancing the vision of a China-Africa community with a shared future.

Speaking at the China-Nigeria Youth Exchange Seminar on China-Africa Community with a Shared Future in Abuja on Monday, Minister Zhou Hongyou of the Chinese Embassy said youth engagement was critical to sustaining relations between China, Nigeria and the African continent.

The seminar was organised by the embassy in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

Hongyou described the gathering as an opportunity for young people from both countries to contribute to a stronger partnership based on dialogue, cooperation and shared development goals.

“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,” he said.

Quoting Chinese President Xi Jinping, the envoy stressed the importance of youth cooperation in addressing global challenges.

“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,

Hongyou urged young Nigerians and Chinese citizens to deepen friendships through exchanges and contribute to stronger bilateral ties.

He identified dialogue and inclusiveness as key responsibilities for young people.

“Engage in dialogue with openness and inclusiveness, and be a supporter of the China-Africa community with a shared future,” he said.

He observed that the world was facing increasing uncertainty and conflict, making international cooperation more important than ever.

The envoy stated, “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.

“The more turbulent the world gets, the more China stays committed to Africa. We are ready to walk side by side with Nigeria and other African countries toward modernisation and a shared future for mankind.”

The envoy also encouraged participants to promote what he described as objective narratives about China-Africa cooperation.

“I hope you will become storytellers of China-Nigeria and China-Africa cooperation, sharing our vision of win-win cooperation with the world,” he said.

He added that bilateral relations between Nigeria and China were expanding in areas including trade, technology, education, culture and sports.

He described both countries as “a strong example of win-win cooperation among Global South countries.”

The envoy called on young people to transform discussions into tangible outcomes and deepen engagement beyond the seminar.

“Don’t stop at today’s conversations; keep engaging in your work and studies, and help deepen our friendship even further,” he said.

He also pledged continued support from the Chinese Embassy and Nigeria’s Ministry of Youth Development in creating more opportunities for exchanges between young people from both nations.

Also speaking, the Director of Education and Youth Development at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Despan Kwardem, described the seminar as a step towards strengthening ties between young people in both countries.

Kwardem said Nigeria could benefit from deeper cooperation with China, particularly in technology and innovation.

Kwardem also highlighted internship and employment opportunities for Nigerian youths in Chinese companies as part of the benefits of the growing relationship.

Planned 2026 cultural initiatives, including a China-Nigeria Fashion Show, Food Festival, and Film Festival, as well as a virtual reality exhibition showcasing China’s Tang Dynasty culture, were announced as further engagements for young people.