AFRICDA’s Grand Inauguration: A milestone in Africa-China relations

The grand inauguration of the Africa-China Diaspora Alliance (AFRICDA) on 30th November 2024 marked a monumental step in fostering deeper collaboration between Africa and China.

Held in Beijing, the event attracted a distinguished assembly of dignitaries, stakeholders, and supporters dedicated to expanding Africa-China relations beyond traditional government-to-government frameworks.

Acknowledging the Esteemed Dignitaries

The event was graced by a remarkable lineup of leaders from both African and Chinese communities. Key dignitaries included:

H.E. Martin Mpana, Dean of African Ambassadors in China, representing Cameroon.( Rep)

H.E. Edna Nyame, Acting Ambassador of Ghana.

H.E. Elia G. Kaiyamo, Dean of Southern African Ambassadors and Ambassador of Namibia.

H.E. Nini Okey-Uche, Minister, Nigerian Embassy.

H.E. Lynette Mwende, Deputy Ambassador of Kenya.

Mr. Hamadou Modibo, Acting Deputy Representative, UNICEF.

Mr. Advisor, Beijing Jiangxi Enterprise Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Liu Chunyang, Director of Foreign Affairs, CNTY.

Song Jia, Deputy Secretary-General, China United Nations Procurement Promotion Association.

This distinguished gathering demonstrated the global interest in AFRICDA’s mission and the united commitment of leaders to fostering stronger Africa-China ties.

Amplifying Media and Stakeholder Representation

The event saw enthusiastic participation from major African media houses, highlighting the role of journalism in showcasing the African diaspora’s presence and contributions in China. Additionally, the presence of UN officials, Chinese business leaders, African student representatives, and African residents in China emphasized AFRICDA’s inclusive approach.

Uniting for Deeper Collaboration

AFRICDA’s mission to bridge Africa and China through cultural, economic, and social collaboration was underscored by the words of the dignitaries:

H.E. Martin Mpana called for all African countries to take AFRICDA seriously, as it represents a model for collaborative efforts to achieve continental success.

H.E. Edna Nyame emphasized that AFRICDA is a groundbreaking initiative, urging grassroots communities to engage as it creates opportunities beyond government-to-government interactions.

H.E. Nini Okey-Uche reinforced the importance of unity among African nations, stressing the need to prioritize collective success above individual policies.

Mr. Peng Panpan commended AFRICDA, stating that such initiatives are highly anticipated by Chinese businesses and investors, pledging active collaboration to enhance mutual benefits.

AFRICDA: Building on Economic and Cultural Foundations

China has been sub-Saharan Africa’s largest bilateral trading partner for over two decades, with trade volumes reaching $282 billion in 2023, according to the IMF. AFRICDA seeks to leverage this robust foundation by fostering grassroots engagement and cultural diplomacy, aligning with frameworks like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Upcoming Initiatives: A Glimpse into AFRICDA’s Vision

As part of its strategic objectives, AFRICDA unveiled an exciting lineup of events for the coming year, including:

All African-Chinese Festivals: Celebrating the shared cultural heritage of Africa and China.

The Africa-China Investment Excellence Awards (AFRICIE Awards): Honoring outstanding contributions to Africa-China development.

Africa Diaspora Investment Forum in New York: A side event at the UN General Assembly, focusing on diaspora investment opportunities.

Africa-China International Trade Affair: Connecting businesses from both regions.

All Africa-China Students Sports Competitions: Promoting unity through sports.

Feature Documentary on Chinese Investments in Africa: Showcasing transformative success stories.

Cultural Diplomacy: A Bridge for Understanding

The event featured African cultural performances, artistic expressions, and traditional African cuisine, highlighting AFRICDA’s dedication to celebrating Africa’s rich heritage while promoting mutual understanding in China. These efforts demonstrate AFRICDA’s role as a unifying platform for African and Chinese communities.

AFRICDA: Pioneering a New Chapter

The success of AFRICDA’s grand inauguration solidifies its position as a catalyst for meaningful collaboration. By engaging diverse stakeholders, AFRICDA ensures that the benefits of Africa-China relations are inclusive and far-reaching, encompassing all sectors of society.

With the strong endorsement of dignitaries, media, and community leaders, AFRICDA continues to advance its mission to build bridges and create futures, fostering a shared vision of prosperity for Africa and China.