China has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding youth-driven cooperation with Nigeria, as both countries intensified calls for deeper cultural exchange, innovation partnerships, and people-to-people engagement under the China-Africa Community with a Shared Future framework.
Zhou Hongyou, Minister and Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, in his keynote address at the China–Nigeria Youth Exchange Seminar held in Abuja on Monday, said young people remain central to the future of China-Africa relations, describing them as key drivers of innovation, diplomacy, and long-term development.
He said relations between China and Africa, which span 70 years of diplomatic engagement, including 55 years of China–Nigeria relations, have remained resilient and “weathered storms,” with Nigeria playing a pivotal role in strengthening the partnership.
Hongyou highlighted recent policy shifts aimed at boosting African exports, including China’s zero-tariff access for goods from 53 African countries, which took effect on May 1, describing it as part of outcomes from the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit.
He said the initiative reflects China’s principles of sincerity, practical cooperation, friendship, and good faith, and is designed to support Africa’s modernization efforts.
