The preliminary round of the digital economy category at the 3rd China-Africa Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition was held in Shanghai on Friday, showcasing joint efforts by young innovators from China and African countries to drive growth through digital transformation.

The competition, held at Tongji University, aims to inspire entrepreneurship among the youth and build a platform for exchanges， with a focus on the digital economy realm.

The digital economy preliminaries drew 19 projects spanning sectors like the internet, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, design services, cross-border payments, machine translation, and smart logistics. Over 30 participants from 12 countries including China, Algeria, Comoros, and Ethiopia competed.

"This competition is becoming a platform for igniting entrepreneurial spirit among youth, expanding innovation cooperation, and facilitating exchanges between the next generations of China and Africa," said Xu Baowen, deputy director of the China-Africa Innovation Cooperation Center, adding that Tongji University has made great contributions in promoting such scientific and cultural ties.

Adel Zahran, economic and commercial counselor of the Consulate General of Egypt in Shanghai, hailed the event as timely given Africa's digital transformation with over 60 percent of the population under 25. "This demographic dividend combined with China technological progress and innovation ecosystem creates unprecedented opportunities for collaboration and growth," he said.

Randrianarivo Harime Sylvia from Madagascar's Ministry of Communication noted the digital economy is a key driver of growth, resilience, and opportunities. China's technological achievements offer valuable experience for Africa in leveraging strategic innovation and digital infrastructure investment for sustainable development, she added.

Sun Yixue, dean of the International School, Tongji University, expressed hope the competition can rekindle the youth's passion for unlocking human potential through innovation and entrepreneurship, providing a guiding light for global youth in these realms.