Strengthening Ties: CEPO Executive Director Completes Insightful Learning Trip to China

Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), has recently concluded a week-long learning visit to China focused on modernization and development within the framework of China-Africa cooperation. This initiative aims to foster collaboration and experience sharing between the two regions.

During his time in Anhui Province, Mr. Yakani participated in a seminar titled “Chinese Modernization and African Development,” organized by the Secretariat of the Chinese Follow-Up Committee of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, in collaboration with the Foreign Affairs Office of Anhui Provincial People’s Government and the Anhui Academy of Governance. The seminar, which spanned from October 30 to November 6, 2024, provided valuable insights into developmental strategies and best practices that can be adapted for African contexts.

Mr. Yakani emphasized the significance of people-to-people approaches in China-Africa cooperation, noting that the learning opportunities created through such programs can lead to shared experiences and collaborative growth. “This is not just an academic exercise; it is a concrete invitation to learn from China’s journey towards modernization,” he remarked.

He advocates for the establishment of annual programs that facilitate ongoing consultative efforts between Chinese and African stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of continuous dialogues in strengthening their partnerships.

Evaluating the seminar, Mr. Yakani expressed optimism about its potential impact, stating, “This informative event should not be the first and last of its kind. We need more platforms for engagement that turn discussions into actionable strategies.”

Concluding his remarks, he called for China-Africa cooperation to transition from theory to practice, asserting that it should deliver tangible developmental outcomes that enhance human growth and societal advancement. “Let us walk the talk and ensure that our collaboration yields significant benefits for both Chinese and African communities,” Mr. Yakani stated.

As the global landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like this learning trip symbolize the importance of international cooperation in addressing developmental challenges and fostering mutual understanding.