By Marius Musa Kargbo
The Chief Executive Officer and Founder of AYV Media Empire, Anthony Navo Jr., has held a high-level strategic meeting with Zhao Yong to further strengthen the longstanding relationship between the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone and AYV Media Empire.
The engagement focused on expanding cooperation in media, education, trade, investment, and youth empowerment, while reinforcing the historic diplomatic ties between Sierra Leone and China.
During the discussions, both sides reflected on the strong and mutually beneficial partnership that has existed over the years. Particular emphasis was placed on AYV’s role in promoting China’s culture, development achievements, and investment opportunities through balanced and impactful media engagement.
Ambassador Zhao Yong commended AYV Media Empire for its responsible journalism and strategic contribution toward strengthening Sierra Leone–China relations. He described AYV as a credible and influential media institution that continues to promote cultural understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
The Ambassador also reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting capacity building in Sierra Leone through scholarships, training opportunities, exchange programmes, and professional development initiatives. He disclosed that more than 550 Sierra Leoneans benefited from Chinese-sponsored educational and professional opportunities last year alone, adding that China remains among the world’s leading destinations providing such opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.
Ambassador Zhao Yong further encouraged Sierra Leoneans particularly entrepreneurs, exporters, and young business leaders to take advantage of the Africa–China Zero Tariff Export Policy, which provides greater access for African products into the Chinese market. He noted that the initiative presents significant opportunities for Sierra Leone to increase exports, create jobs, and boost local production.
Speaking during the meeting, Anthony Navo Jr. expressed appreciation to the Chinese Embassy for its unwavering support and partnership with AYV Media Empire over the years.
The AYV CEO also appealed for increased Chinese support and investment in Sierra Leone’s development agenda aimed at accelerating industrial growth, strengthening local manufacturing, and creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people.
Anthony Navo Jr. further highlighted AYV Media Empire’s unique position as the first television network in Sierra Leone and the Mano River Union region to be onboarded onto DStv. He noted that AYV’s presence on DStv provides unmatched visibility across Africa and beyond, and urged the Chinese Embassy and Chinese institutions to capitalize on AYV’s expansive media platform to further showcase China’s investments, development cooperation, and economic opportunities.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation and exploring new strategic partnerships that will advance media development, trade, education, investment, youth empowerment, and stronger people-to-people relations between Sierra Leone and China.
