The recent Belt and Road Forum (BRF) drew global attention as leaders from over 120 countries gathered to reaffirm trade, infrastructure, and connectivity goals. Queen Modestus, Diplomatic Discourse Analyst, shares her insights into how the forum’s outcomes affect Africa—especially Nigeria
Key Takeaways
- Nigeria’s Rising Role
Queen Modestus highlights Nigeria’s increasing strategic importance under BRI. With Vice President Kashim Shettima engaging directly with China’s leadership, Nigeria is seen as a vital partner in joint development efforts around railways, ports, power, and more. Punch Newspapers+2Belt and Road Forum+2 - Beyond Infrastructure
The BRI is not just about roads and ports—culture, people-to-people exchange, and diplomatic discourse matter. Queen points out that cultural connection and language understanding are gaining ground through student competitions and exchange programs. CECADS+1 - Competition Spotlight
Serving as the only African judge at the BRI International Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition, Queen Modestus observed impressive innovation from Nigerian and African students. Projects ranged in creativity and potential for real impact. CECADS+1 - Challenges & Opportunities
While the BRI presents massive opportunity, Queen also cautions about narrative distortion: how diplomatic discourse is framed matters, and mutual understanding is critical. She advocates for discourse that represents African voice, reframes negative stereotypes, and encourages local ownership. CECADS+1
What This Means for CECADS & Africa
CECADS sees these insights as aligned with its mission: to promote sustainable, relevant, context-driven collaborations between Africa and China. The emphasis on discourse, culture, and innovation reinforces our belief:
- That sustainability is meaningful only when rooted in local realities
- That education, exchange, and narrative-shaping are as critical as infrastructure
- That Africa’s voice must be front and centre in international cooperation
Closing Thoughts
Queen Modestus’s participation and reflections at the BRF remind us that Africa is not only a participant—it is a shaper of the Belt and Road’s future. For initiatives to truly succeed, we need cooperation that respects context, values local innovation, and supports mutual growth.
