Huang, from Shantou in Guangdong province, said in recent years the enterprise has focused more on bringing young Chinese to Africa, as he believes that with China's rise and the expansion of the Belt and Road Initiative, those who hold an international vision will play a vital role in telling China's stories in ways that are acceptable to Africans.

Africa is a diverse and vibrant continent, not a region filled with war and poverty, he said, adding that "you may not change Africa, but it will definitely change you".

He said more Chinese are coming to Africa as volunteers and researchers, and many stay and work for local organizations.

China House offers young people a chance to visit the continent through various programs including internships, study tours, research assignments and volunteering. Huang said the programs can improve their overall skills as well as bring opportunities to explore a different world and share new experiences.

"During the process, you will know what you like and what you are good at, and you will lay down your own path," he told China Daily.

Most of those who take part in China House's programs are graduates, and many continue to study abroad and take courses on China-Africa relations and international development, he said.

Educated, open-minded Chinese people who speak English understand Chinese culture and the work of international NGOs and the Western media, so they are a natural link between the two sides and can promote mutual understanding, according to Huang.

"We're cultivating a new, vibrant generation of young Chinese who understand China and better understand the world," he said.

"They're important for the development of both China and its global engagement," he added.