I am honored to accept the nomination for the African Personality of the Year and the Youth Development Award as part of the Pride of Africa Asia Pacific Awards 2025. Over the past decade and beyond, I have dedicated my professional and personal efforts to fostering African youth leadership and engagement in Asia-Pacific through various initiatives, partnerships, and strategic programs.
As the current Head of the International Department at the Silk Road Youth Forum, I have played a pivotal role in bridging African and Chinese youth engagements under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). My work has been instrumental in creating platforms for African youth to voice their perspectives, develop skills, and connect with global opportunities. Key contributions include:
- Head of the Silk Road Youth Forum and Silk Road International Think Tank Centre International Department, an initiative aimed at fostering skills development, cultural exchange, and leadership among youth from Belt and Road countries. This program has been recognized for enhancing the inclusion of African youth in Asia-Pacific economic and social development.
- Organizer of the Media Roundtable with African Student Presidents in China, a forum providing African students with a space to discuss their role in FOCAC (Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) and the Belt and Road Initiative, amplifying African youth voices in policy dialogues.
- Strategic partnerships with key stakeholders such as African student associations, think tanks, and international organizations to enhance youth capacity-building programs and advocacy efforts.
- Contributor to China-Africa relations publications and conferences, providing expertise on human capital development and African youth empowerment in the region.
Through these efforts, I remain committed to strengthening Africa-Asia-Pacific relations, empowering the next generation of African leaders, and creating opportunities that drive sustainable development and global integration for African youth.
Thank you for this recognition, and I look forward to continuing my work in uplifting African communities in Asia-Pacific and beyond.