Role of youth

With FOCAC serving as a major platform for cooperation, Paul Frimpong, the executive director and senior research fellow at the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory, suggests that it is time for young Africans to play a more central role in shaping the policies and projects that will define their future.

With more than 60 percent of the population under the age of 25, Africa boasts the world's youngest population, with youthful energy and untapped potential.

Frimpong said engaging young leaders in FOCAC discussions will help break down stereotypes, build diplomatic bridges, and foster a sense of shared purpose, ensuring the partnership remains strong and mutually beneficial in the future.

"By including youth in shaping FOCAC policies, the forum can ensure its strategies are aligned with the interests and priorities of the vibrant population, creating a more inclusive and forward-looking partnership," he said.

Similar sentiments were shared by Adhere who said the future of Africa-China relations will be shaped by the youth. They have a responsibility to shape how they want to engage with China by informing their respective governments about their priority areas, he said.

"Today, young Africans prefer to study in China, where they believe the quality of education is quite high just like in Western countries and the cost of living is quite low compared to Western countries. So it's easier for them to learn from the Chinese experience and transpose those ideas into their own countries," he said.

On the Western criticism of Chinese investments in Africa, Wachira is of the view that Africa should ignore them and concentrate on enriching its relationship with China.

Noting that there will always be criticism, Wachira urged China and Africa to ignore criticism and strengthen cooperation between the two sides.