Youth festival boosts China-Africa ties

Throughout the journey, as they traveled by bus and high-speed train, attended parties and watched performances and interacted with local Chinese people, Wehlie recorded videos to share on social media platforms.

"The videos will show China's development to the people in Somalia and how the Chinese government creates opportunities for the younger generation," he says.

The 28-year-old holds a bachelor's degree in information technology and a master's degree in mass media communication.

After graduation, he initiated an NGO that promoted peace-building in Somalia by empowering and training youth from diverse backgrounds in mediation and negotiation skills.

"We also hold monthly seminars attended by government and industry leaders, giving young people a chance to engage in conversations with them," he says.

In 2021, sponsored by the government, he cofounded Dawan TV, a private media outlet that brings together young people from various backgrounds to produce educational video content for Somali audiences.

Through the media and activities organized by the NGO, he states, "We want to gather a youth community that shares the same goal of making Somalia a better country."

He believes that improving young people's lives and enabling their active participation in society both online and offline is crucial for building sustainable peace and development in Somalia.

He also hopes that through actively sharing on his social media accounts and encouraging other young people to do the same, they can change the stereotypes about Somalia.

"Many people still think Somalia is in the midst of conflict, but we are now a peaceful country. We want to unite young people to dispel these stereotypes, attract investment and encourage travelers to come for vacation," he says.

As someone deeply invested in youth issues and peace-building, Wehlie has expressed his long-standing desire to visit China to deepen his understanding of its politics and democratic development. He credits the China-Africa Youth Festival for granting him the chance to experience China for the first time.

The festival was established following the agreement reached by the delegations during the 2015 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Its objective is to foster youth exchanges between China and Africa, uphold the long-standing friendship between the two regions and nurture future leaders for the advancement of China-Africa relations.

The program also provided Adama Cabality Sallah, who works for Gambia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with her first trip to China.

"This experience has broadened my perspective on China and deepened my understanding of the relationship between China and Gambia. When I compile my report and offer my recommendations, it will offer my colleagues who haven't yet visited China a clearer understanding," she says.

"After everything I've explored, my recommendations will speak louder to my ministry. Hopefully, this will lead to more collaborations between China and Gambia."

She will possibly return to China for the upcoming summit of the FOCAC to be held this autumn in Beijing.

In recent years, Zhejiang province has consistently ranked as one of China's top destinations for trade with Africa. Within Zhejiang, Jinhua city has particularly stood out.

Last year, Jinhua's trade with Africa reached 116.85 billion yuan ($16.46 billion), making up 30.8 percent of Zhejiang's total trade volume with Africa.