On November 22, the final of the 2nd China-Africa Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition was held in Wuhan. Co-sponsored by the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Science and Technology, China Science and Technology Exchange Center, and the Department of Science and Technology of Hubei Province, and organized by China-Africa Innovation and Cooperation Center, and co-organized by Tongji University, China University of Petroleum (East China), Wuhan University of Science and Technology, and Shenzhen Transn Holding Company Limited, the contest aims to further stimulate the innovation and entrepreneurship vitality of China-Africa youths, broaden the space for innovation and entrepreneurship cooperation, and build a platform for China-Africa youths' exchange and cooperation.With the theme of Science and Technology Innovation for Sustainable Development of China-Africa Partnership, the competition focuses on three major fields: digital economy and innovative services, circular economy and industrial manufacturing, and big health and modern agriculture.

IESD international students ADESINA ODUNAYO BLESSING, AWOMUTI ADEBOYE AKINDOYIN and Chinese student JI Furong won the Third Prize with their team project: AfricPay Sino-Africa Science and Technology Innovation Cross-border Payment System.

The project utilizes cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain technology, e-money payments, and artificial intelligence to build a cross-border payment platform that is secure, efficient, and low payment cost. It aims to transform cross-border payments between China and Africa, expanding operations across the continent and connecting economies to reduce transaction barriers. The project team is currently operating in Lagos, Nigeria and Shanghai, China.    This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, and the promotion of scientific and technological innovation is one of the eight actions taken to build the Belt and Road Initiative. The competition fully demonstrates the innovative and practical ability and enthusiasm of international students, and also helps international students to share the opportunities of the times and further promote the high-quality development of building the Belt and Road together.