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By John Azu
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to the economic growth of African economy through cooperation.
The Minister of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, stated this at the opening of Federal Ministry of Youth Development hosted the China-Nigeria Youth Exchange Seminar in Abuja recently aimed at advancing the “China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.”
The high-level engagement brought together diplomats, government officials, youth leaders, entrepreneurs, and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to discuss strategic cooperation, pragmatic economic ties, and cultural connectivity.
Speaking at the seminar, Zhou Hongyou, recalled the significant economic measures announced by the government, which are aimed at deepening ties across the continent using the upgrade “green channel” to facilitate the entry of more African products into the vast Chinese market.
”Just a month ago, we introduced zero tariffs on all inputs from 13 African countries with diplomatic ties to China,” Zhou said.
Zhou stressed the importance of international cooperation and collective journey rather than individual efforts, in the face of global uncertainty.
He urged young people from both nations to remain open and inclusive, outlining three core hopes: engaging in consistent dialogue, sharing bilateral success stories objectively, and actively translating conversations into concrete socioeconomic results.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Director of Education and Youth Development, Despan Kwardem, commended the patriotism of the youth attendees, specifically thanking the Director-General of the NYSC for facilitating the participation of corps members.
Reflecting on the seminar’s thematic focus, Kwardem challenged the traditional definition of community.
“Communities are no longer bound by geography; communities have moved online digitally,” Kwardem said, pointing to expanding artificial intelligence and health technology ecosystems.
He clarified that the partnership should not be viewed through a transactional lens of what either country can baseline benefit from the other. “It’s about building a future together… Government is just a facilitator. You [the youth] are the active drivers who will take up this vision.”
Addressing inquiries from Nigerian participants regarding a perceived gap between high-level government diplomacy and ordinary citizens, Counselor and Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing asserted that bilateral cooperation consistently yields tangible benefits through critical infrastructure and high-quality goods.
Yang highlighted actionable steps being taken to support youth employment and the creative industries such as internships and employment pathways at Chinese firms in Nigeria like CCECC and CGC.
He recalled a successful bilateral fashion delegation from Nigeria to Beijing last year, noting that more initiatives for 2026, including a China-Nigeria Fashion Show, a Food Festival, and a Film Festival are expected.
Yang further announced the launch of a virtual reality (VR) exhibition at the China Cultural Center focusing on ancient Chinese Tang Dynasty culture, illustrating how technology can be leveraged to preserve and export traditional heritage.
The seminar concluded with mutual pledges from both the Chinese Embassy and the Ministry of Youth Development to establish sustainable, ongoing platforms to transition the youth dialogue into long-term infrastructure and economic prosperity.