Duapa Africa, a social enterprise in China organized the 2019 edition of the popular Africa Dialogues global event; an opportunity for Africans to share the African story to Chinese and other expatriates in China. Held on 26th October 2019, the event was hosted at the Zhongguancun Chuangye Tower, in Haidian District, Beijing and attracted a diverse audience with six amazing African speakers and diplomats.
There are misconceptions about Africa in so many countries of which China is not an exception. Again, many investors are still oblivious to the opportunities for investment, business and partnerships in Africa. This kind of narrative is what the dialogues aims to correct and promote the positive image of Africa to attract the required interest and investment on the continent. It hopes to dispel existing misunderstandings and stereotypes about the continent, in addition to creating awareness in China. This year’s edition which was themed, “This is Africa: A Thriving Hub of Global Talents and Innovation” focused on Africa’s technology, culture, tourism and people to reshape the thoughts and perceptions about the continent.
Ghana’s Ambassador to China, H.E. Edward Boateng set the stage with his motivational and electrifying session challenging participants to develop themselves, persist and break boundaries. Ambassador Boateng’s contribution to the positive image and branding of Africa dates back in the 1990’s and 2000’s when he told Africa’s story with the power of media. Whilst working with CNN’s, he initiated the “Inside Africa” program; a television segment that focuses on Africa uniqueness and introduced the annual CNN journalist of the year award; an event that honours great African storytellers. The event also had great speakers from all parts of Africa (North, Central, Eastern, Western and Southern). Maha Jouni from Tunisia, Opeyemi Awe; a Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University, Edwin Mwenda; a Kenyan and Founder of AHAVAH, Tina Tendai from Zimbabwe and Jesus P.G founder and CEO of Shanghai International services agency were among the speakers who shared their stories with participants.
In an interview with the media, Musa Frimpong; the Founder and CEO of Duapa Africa expressed his joy in realizing his dream of telling Africa’s unique story in a positive way. He added “Africa is growing, Africa has improved, Africa yesterday is totally different from Africa today. With initiatives such as the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement, Africa is poised for greatness and it is imperatives for young Africans to lead this agenda.” He added “Until lions get their historians, the tale of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter; and therefore, important that we tell our story” According to him, this has been the motivation for his team since the inception of the dialogues last year. He congratulated all members of Duapa Africa who dedicated their time to ensure the 2nd edition was successfully held.
Duapa Africa is a social enterprise dedicated to Africa’s socio-economic transformation and sustainable development through the innovative solution. It is one of the few wholly owned African social enterprises founded and managed by young Africans in China.
Other diplomats and dignitaries present were the Kenyan Ambassador to China; Ms. Sarah Serem, Mr. Elisio Benedito Jamine; Senior Political, Peace and Security Officer at the AU Permanent Mission to China, Mr. Edwin Limo; Counsellor at the Kenyan Embassy in China, Ms. DeSouza Nadege; Counsellor at Benin’s Embassy in China, Dr. Luo Zhuowei, Deputy Director at the Investment Promotion Centre of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and Mr. Xinliang Zhao, Director of Haidian Pioneer Park; hosts of the event.