Market analyst Francis George Woodcock takes part in an interview with a journalist from China.org.cn, April 19, 2023. [Photo by Yan Bin/China.org.cn]

On April 18, the 7th China-Africa Youth Festival — an eight-day event aimed at promoting cultural exchanges and strengthening partnerships between China and African countries — commenced in Beijing.

As part of the festival, more than 40 youth representatives from African countries were invited to take part in a cultural exchange activity on Wednesday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Beijing. Attendees were afforded a close-up look of the MFA's Press Conference Hall and listened to speeches from both Chinese and African representatives, focusing on topics such as China's modernization and strengthening China-Africa cultural bonds. 

Enock Mukhola Sikolia, a Kenyan journalist taking part in the event, said that during his 10 years working closely with Chinese firms, he has been most impressed by China's high-level development vision and the path it has taken to make it a reality. In his opinion, African countries should draw inspiration from China's accomplishments in their pursuit of economic growth through more economic and cultural exchanges.

Zhu Jinxin, a Chinese youth representative from the General Office of the African Department at the MFA, fondly recalled her work experience with young people from Africa studying or working in China and highlighted the significance of events that celebrate cultural exchange. "I knew little about African people back in college," she said. "But when I got to know them, I found that they are so enthusiastic and so nice and I just want to say 'hello' to every African." 

Zhu also noted that these events facilitate communication, enabling both parties to learn more about each other and understand each other's policies and mindsets, which ultimately promotes building a community with a shared future.

Francis George Woodcock, a 27-year-old market analyst from Seychelles, has been living in China since 2017. In a conversation about China-Africa cultural exchange and mutual learning, Woodcock stressed that cultural understanding is the key to building a close relationship between China and Africa so that African people can learn from China's experiences in boosting modernization. 

"We young people can find a topic of conversation for art or music or something that is popular in China to build a friendship and to find common interests, that is the significance of this event," he explained.

Over the next few days, the group of over 40 African youth delegates will visit scenic spots, enterprises, sports training center and rural revitalization demonstration area in Shandong province to get a comprehensive look at China's modernization and further deepen cultural exchanges.

The China-Africa Youth Festival is organized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, and the Shandong Provincial People's Government.

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