African youth political leaders visit the China-Africa (Jinhua) Agricultural Innovation Park. [Photo/Jinhua Media Group]

Twenty-one young political leaders from 16 English-speaking African countries, including Rwanda, Zambia, and South Africa, visited Jinhua in East China's Zhejiang province from June 23 to 27 as part of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, aiming to explore grassroots modernization and foster future cooperation.

At Yiwu International Trade Market, the visitors were captivated by the variety and affordability of products, while the Global Digital Trade Center introduced them to new trends such as cross-border e-commerce, livestreaming, and digital supply chain management, with demonstrations of digital processes, from product selection to logistics.

Financial services were a key focus at Yiwu Chouyin Building, where cross-border financial solutions such as renminbi settlement and supply chain finance intrigued the delegates. Nelisiwe Motebang, a member of the Young Communist League of South Africa National Committee, highlighted the need for financial support for young Africans eager to engage in international trade.

Jinhua's manufacturing capabilities were showcased at the Leapmotor Intelligent Manufacturing Base, where automation and advanced technology demonstrated China's industrial prowess. Delegates expressed expectations for vehicles customized to local conditions, emphasizing the mutual benefits of collaboration.

The China-Africa (Jinhua) Agricultural Innovation Park showcased its smart greenhouses simulating African climates to develop suitable crop varieties, with the delegates calling for the opening of two-way sales channels for agricultural products and the expansion of smart agriculture cooperation.

Zhejiang Normal University epitomizes China-Africa cooperation in education, as its Institute of African Studies highlighted deep ties to the delegates through an array of exhibits and historical materials.