The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, working with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, convened the China-Nigeria Youth Exchange Seminar in Abuja to advance the vision of a “China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.”
The high-level forum assembled diplomats, government officials, youth leaders, entrepreneurs, and NYSC corps members to explore strategic collaboration, practical economic partnerships, and cultural exchange.
Speaking at the event, Minister Counselor Zhou Hongyou of the Chinese Embassy announced key economic steps to strengthen Africa-China relations. “About a month ago, China rolled out zero tariffs on all products from 13 African countries that have diplomatic ties with Beijing,” Zhou said. He also disclosed that China has improved its “green channel” system to speed up the entry of more African goods into its large market.
Against the backdrop of global uncertainty, Zhou stressed that international cooperation should be seen as a shared path rather than isolated efforts. He encouraged young people from both countries to stay open-minded and inclusive, and urged them to sustain dialogue, share success stories truthfully, and turn discussions into real socio-economic outcomes.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Despan Kwardem, Director of Education and Youth Development, applauded the commitment of the young participants and thanked the NYSC Director-General for ensuring corps members were part of the engagement.
Speaking on the seminar’s theme, Kwardem redefined the idea of community for the digital era. “Community is no longer limited by geography. It now exists online,” he noted, citing the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and health-tech ecosystems.
He added that the partnership must go beyond a transactional approach. “This is about co-creating a future together. Government provides the platform, but you, the youth, are the ones who will drive this vision forward,” he said.
Responding to concerns about the distance between high-level diplomacy and everyday citizens, Yang Jianxing, Counselor and Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria, said bilateral cooperation is already delivering concrete results through infrastructure projects and quality products.
Yang outlined practical efforts to boost youth employment and support the creative sector, noting that major Chinese companies in Nigeria such as CCECC and CGC are creating internship and job opportunities specifically for top Nigerian graduates and NYSC members. He linked these opportunities to a successful fashion delegation to Beijing last year, and confirmed that the Embassy is planning new initiatives for 2026, including a China-Nigeria Fashion Show, Food Festival, and Film Festival.
Yang also unveiled a virtual reality exhibition at the China Cultural Center centered on Tang Dynasty culture, showing how technology can be used to preserve and promote cultural heritage globally.
The seminar ended with both the Chinese Embassy and the Ministry of Youth Development pledging to build lasting platforms that will convert youth dialogue into sustained infrastructure development and economic growth.