China has announced expanded market access for African products and increased employment opportunities for Nigerian youths as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations beyond traditional diplomatic engagement.
The commitment was made at the China-Nigeria Youth Exchange Seminar held in Abuja, organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to promote the vision of a China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.
Speaking at the event, Minister Counselor Zhou Hongyou of the Chinese Embassy disclosed that China recently introduced zero tariffs on all products from 13 African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing, while also enhancing its “green channel” system to facilitate the entry of more African goods into the Chinese market.
Zhou said the measures were designed to strengthen economic cooperation and create more opportunities for African countries in global trade.
He urged young people from both nations to embrace openness and inclusiveness, stressing that international cooperation should be viewed as a collective effort in addressing global challenges.
According to him, youths have a critical role to play in sustaining dialogue, sharing development experiences and translating discussions into tangible socio-economic benefits.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Director of Education and Youth Development, Despan Kwardem, commended participants and thanked the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for ensuring corps members were involved in the engagement.
Kwardem said the concept of community had evolved beyond geographical boundaries, noting that digital platforms, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies were creating new opportunities for collaboration across borders.
“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.
Addressing concerns that diplomatic relations often appear distant from ordinary citizens, Counselor and Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, said cooperation between both countries was already producing practical benefits through infrastructure projects, business investments and cultural exchanges.
Yang revealed that Chinese companies operating in Nigeria, including CCECC and CGC, were creating internship and employment opportunities for outstanding Nigerian graduates and NYSC members.
He said the initiatives were aimed at improving youth employability while strengthening people-to-people ties between both countries.
The cultural centre director also announced plans for a China-Nigeria Fashion Show, Food Festival and Film Festival in 2026 to further expand cultural and creative industry cooperation.
He also unveiled a virtual reality exhibition at the China Cultural Center showcasing Tang Dynasty culture, describing it as an example of how technology could be used to preserve and promote cultural heritage.
The seminar ended with both the Chinese Embassy and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development reaffirming their commitment to creating sustainable platforms that would transform youth exchanges into long-term economic and development partnerships.
