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African youths share takeaways from China’s development, pledge to consolidate cooperation gains

By Théophile Niyitegeka
On 29 May 2024 at 01:46

African youths who participated in the 8th edition of the China-Africa Youth Festival have lauded China’s impressive development, rich culture and hospitality. They have also pledged to leverage the experiences and lessons learned during the week-long event to contribute to the shared vision between China and Africa.

Speaking to IGIHE, following the closing ceremony of the festival held from May 20th to 26th, 2024, the youths expressed their commitment to strengthening China-Africa relations.

The event which took place in Ruyi Hall of Your World International Conference Center in Yiwu County, Zhejiang Province, brought together Chinese officials and youth representatives from Africa and China.

A total of 64 youths from 52 African countries, including Rwanda, participated in the festival organized under the framework of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC).

The event also attracted nearly 30 African journalists participating in a four-month media exchange program organized by the China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC).

Throughout the festival, the youths visited significant sites such as the Common Prosperity Belt in Jindong, explored Chinese rural culture, toured the China-Africa Museum at Zhejiang Normal University, and visited Leapmotor, a new energy vehicle manufacturer.

In addition, they experienced traditional Chinese performances by the Zhejiang Wu Opera, visited the People’s Livelihood Conference Hall of the CPPCC, Hengdian World Studios, Yiwu International Trade Market, and Zhejiang Guangsha Vocational and Technical University of Construction.

This immersive experience allowed them to witness firsthand the rapid development and cultural richness of China.

Participants of the festival explored the rich Chinese culture.

Consolidating gains

Ghislain Niyonzima, a representative from Burundi who works with a travel agency shared his insights.

"Observing how China has developed its country, despite still working to achieve envisaged modernization, is impressive and inspiring. This teaches us a lesson about not being complacent, regardless of our achievements," Niyonzima said.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining the gains achieved in China-Africa cooperation and highlighted the suitability of Chinese democracy in addressing people’s needs.

"We should learn from China’s homegrown solutions, which are suited to their people’s needs, to develop our own countries and ensure these values are deeply rooted in our culture as well," added Niyonzima.

Danny Vassyli Mugisha, a Rwandan representative was particularly struck by China’s development over the past 40 years.

"A lot has been achieved in different aspects of development. From technological advancements to conserving the culture, everything is a source of inspiration. I also learned a valuable lesson from the commitment and discipline of the people of China, seeing how they have been able to go through tough times and succeed in just a few years. This is what I am taking with me home," Mugisha noted.

Mugisha observed that the role of the youth is of great significance in consolidating gains attained through China-Africa cooperation, especially considering that the majority of people in Africa are young.

"People like me, who have had the opportunity to participate in such cultural exchanges, should share experiences with a view to uphold the rich legacy and strengthen bonds between China and Africa," he said.

Danny Vassyli Mugisha, a Rwandan representative, was particularly impressed by China’s development over the past 40 years.

Poverty eradication

Cyprien Kouassi from Ivory Coast had a different impression about China until he got an opportunity to attend the festival, where he witnessed its development, political system, and overall progress firsthand.

"My view has changed. My message to African youth is that they must understand that poverty should not be a barrier, as China has demonstrated that it is possible to eliminate it," he noted.

In 2021, China declared the eradication of extreme poverty, lifting 770 million people out of poverty since 1978 and establishing a moderately prosperous society.

Warm hospitality

Kouassi also appreciated Chinese hospitality, which he described as integral to the Asian country’s identity.

"Chinese hospitality has greatly impressed me. Since our arrival, the assistance of young volunteers who were with us, all the way from Beijing through Yiwu, has been impeccable," he shared.

Kouassi emphasized that this mentality should be ingrained in African hearts so that such warm reception can be emulated in their countries.

"China has shown that everyone knows what hospitality is and they put it into action through the reception extended to us. Here, hospitality is among the major aspects making China’s unique identity," he added.

Burundian Niyonzima also expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality, which has left him with indelible memories of his stay in China.

African youths expressed appreciation for Chinese warm hospitality.

Rich legacy

Abdul Jabbar Hashim Kolo, a lawyer from Ateef Law Firm in Nigeria, was equally impressed and excited about what he saw in China.

"Even before coming to China, the whole world’s attention has been on what China has achieved in terms of development over the last forty years. But coming here, I have witnessed that seeing is better than hearing," he noted.

Kolo highlighted that besides development, economic growth, and prosperity, he had also been able to appreciate China’s very rich culture.

"I have participated in activities of arts and crafts, wood carving, and minimal pottery as well, which are very similar to those in Africa. However, China has gone an extra mile by integrating it into educational institutions, allowing people to perfect their art," added Kolo.

He expressed delight at the flourishing tourism sector of China, infrastructure, and manufacturing, all offering lessons worth replicating.

On furthering Africa-China cooperation, Kolo stressed the need for "a platform to see how we can continue this dialogue going forward so that the door remains open not only for African participants and China but also for Africans to communicate with each other."

Africans explored China’s rich culture.

Governance lessons

During their visits, the youths also attended a session of the Representative Discussion Station of the Wuyi County-level Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

At the Wuyi People’s Livelihoods Consultative Hall, participants discussed a proposal to construct commercial streets.

The discussion included leaders and business representatives to ensure the project’s implementation meets community needs without setbacks.

According to Li Yangyong, Chairman of the Wuyi Committee of the CPPCC, these consultations are part of the CPPCC model and involve several stages, including research and engagements with relevant stakeholders.

The agreed-upon resolutions are forwarded to higher authorities, with the hope of endorsement, considering the thorough consultations and research conducted beforehand.

While the Two Sessions address major national issues, the CPPCC consultations in Wuyi focus on the daily lives of villagers.

Nigerian Kolo disclosed that he appreciated the discursive nature of the CPPCC consultations, as well as their approach to involving people in development and preparing for future challenges.

"They didn’t just come and build it; they made the community understand what they were doing. This creates a sense of ownership of the project within the community and gives insight into the intentions of the people, making it easier for them to embrace and support the project," he noted.

Kouassi from Ivory Coast also indicated that Africa should learn from the political system of China, which is designed to address the needs of the population through decentralization, from the central leadership of CPC in Beijing to a small village in Wuyi. "I mostly liked the structure that ensures that people’s problems are accurately represented," he noted.

With a population of 1.4 billion, Africa is the continent with the youngest population worldwide, with over 400 million aged between 15 and 35.

Tanzanian Joseph Brighton Malekela, Chief Operations Officer of the Africa-Asia Youth Foundation, called on the youth to learn and understand the history behind the enduring friendship between China and Africa marked by solidarity and cooperation spanning centuries for them to carry the legacy forward.

During their visits, the youths also attended a session of the Representative Discussion Station of the Wuyi County-level Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Fruitful cooperation

Liu Hongwu, Director of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, highlighted that Africa made enormous contributions to the development of China and observed that China is always committed to supporting developing African countries.

Liu reminisced about the fact that 80% of the global south are developing countries and stressed the need for joint efforts and ventures for the Chinese and African dreams to materialize.

China, the world’s second-largest economy, has been a major contributor to African development through different initiatives, notably through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which continues to drive remarkable progress in Africa, forging strong ties between China and African nations, while fostering economic growth and cooperation across the continent.

Experts project that by 2040, the BRI could increase the world GDP by $7.1 trillion annually, benefiting world trade by overcoming the frictions caused by inadequate infrastructure.

Over 50 African countries have joined the BRI, embracing the rewards of improved infrastructure, reduced unemployment, and expanded trade opportunities. Driven by the BRI, Chinese companies have undertaken awe-inspiring infrastructure projects in Africa.

Over the period of 23 years, they have constructed or upgraded more than 10,000 kilometers of railways, nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads, approximately 1,000 bridges, and 100 ports. These transformative projects have not only enhanced trade but have also created over 4.5 million jobs, breathing new life into African communities.

Tanzanian Joseph Brighton Malekela, Chief Operations Officer of the Africa-Asia Youth Foundation, called on the youth to learn and understand the history behind the enduring friendship between China and Africa.
The closing ceremony took place in Ruyi Hall of Your World International Conference Center in Yiwu County, Zhejiang Province.
Kouassi also appreciated Chinese hospitality, which he described as integral to the Asian country’s identity.
Abdul Jabbar Hashim Kolo, a lawyer from Ateef Law Firm in Nigeria, was equally impressed and excited by what he saw in China.
Li Yangyong, Chairman of the Wuyi Committee of the CPPCC, explained that these consultations are part of the CPPCC model.
The African youths also visited Hengdian World Studios.
African youths attending a session of the Representative Discussion Station of the Wuyi County-level Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
China and Africa are committed to working together to achieve shared development aspirations.
African and Chinese students from Zhejiang Guangsha Vocational and Technical University of Construction during a joint performance welcoming participants of the 8th China-Africa Youth Festival.
The event attracted significant media attention.
Guangsha Vocational and Technical University of Construction is located in Zhejiang Province.
African youths also toured the China-Africa Museum at Zhejiang Normal University.

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