Online Reporter
Kuda Bwititi in QINGHAI Province, China
ZIMBABWEAN representatives are playing a prominent role at the ongoing China Africa Youth Festival in China’s Qinghai province.
Ms Chido Mpemba, who is a special advisor on youth affairs to the African union Commission Chair and Cde Shacky Timburwa, Zanu PF’s legislator for Chegutu West, have been selected as some of the main speakers at the festival.
In her remarks, Ms Mpemba, who also previously held the position of AU Special Envoy for Youth, highlighted the critical importance of youth engagement and cross-continental collaboration.
Ms Mpemba said the coming together of youths from China and Africa was not only to celebrate the longstanding friendship but also to chart a path for how this partnership will grow stronger across future generations.
“The ties between China and Africa are deeply rooted in solidarity, mutual respect and a shared commitment to development,” she said.
“From the days of liberation struggles and support for Africa’s independence, to the building of transformative projects such as the TAZARA railway, China has stood with Africa in moments that defined our history.”
These bonds of trust, she said, were built over decades and are now being carried forward by the youths of Africa and China.
“Today, Africa and China together represent more than 2,6 billion people, with young people as the overwhelming majority. This is not a statistic; it is a powerful reality,” she said.
“It means that the energy, innovation and creativity of youth will shape how our partnership grows. The exchanges we foster today, in education, culture, technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation, will define how our nations collaborate tomorrow.”
She said the thousands of African students studying in China are returning home with knowledge and networks that strengthen industries and societies.
Cultural exchanges, she added, are helping China and Africa to better understand each other’s histories, values, and aspirations.
“Investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, and digital connectivity are linking African communities not only to each other, but also to global markets. These are not abstract commitments; they are tangible changes in the lives of millions,” she said.
“Our task as youth is therefore both urgent and profound . We must be the architects of a future.”
Cde Timburwa is expected to deliver closing remarks at the five-day festival that ends this weekend.
