Peking University, May 6, 2026: On April 27, PKU welcomed Samia Yaba Christina Nkrumah, founder and director of the Kwame Nkrumah Foundation, former chairperson of the Convention People's Party and the daughter of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first Prime Minister and a Non-Aligned Movement leader. 

Her visit was followed by a three-day series of lectures and engagement with students and faculty, highlighting Peking University Center for African Studies' continued effort to foster collaborations with scholars and key stakeholders from Africa. The series commenced with a panel discussion which was led by Kwame Thomas Melega, Ms. Nkrumah's son, and centered on African youth, pop culture, and China-Africa relations. 

Across the table, a consensus was that African and Chinese youth were not passive observers of this unfolding relationship, but active participants shaping it through art and culture. The youth leaders on the panel each expressed their perspectives on how Chinese and African youth can leverage their shared experiences and skills to deepen cooperation.

In Kwame Nkrumah's words, 'Pan-Africanism' implies "total liberation and unification of Africa under the socialist Union government." Championing her father's legacy, Ms. Nkrumah sought to move beyond the sentiment of solidarity and brotherhood, to envision Pan-Africanism as a seminal project spanning the whole continent. 

In China, Ms. Nkrumah finds a "good partner," in her words. Rooted firmly in the strong bonds that connect Chinese and African people, Ms. Nkrumah spoke of Kwame Nkrumah's historical association with China. 

The series of talks attracted a rapt audience in students, staff, academics, diplomats and media professionals within and beyond PKU, leaving each of the listeners with a deeper comprehension of China-Africa relations. 

Panelists and audience with Samia Nkrumah on the second day.

Reported by: Efua B. Amfo & Vanrika Satyan
Edited by: Chen Shizhuo