Hodan Osman Abdi: Building bridges between Somalia and China

Hodan Osman Abdi, Somalia's newly appointed ambassador to China, has embarked on her diplomatic mission with a vision to deepen Somalia-China ties, enhance cooperation across various sectors, and contribute to global development.

Hodan was once a student at Zhejiang University, before rising to prominence in the realm of Sino-African relations.

Hodan first came to China in 2005, inspired by stories from her uncle who had studied and worked in the country. Overcoming cultural and linguistic challenges, she mastered Mandarin, earning degrees in business administration and international Chinese education from Zhejiang Normal University. Later, she pursued a PhD at Zhejiang University, focusing on cross-cultural communication and Sino-African cultural exchange.

Under the mentorship of Professor Shao Peiren, Hodan conducted pioneering research on African cinema's global influence. Her dissertation on Nollywood—a term she coined—highlighted the blending of African traditions with Western techniques, providing new insights into cultural globalization.

Hodan's academic endeavors extended into practice. She co-directed the documentary I Am from Africa, which portrayed African experiences in China, offering a vibrant glimpse into Sino-African cultural interactions. Her work not only challenged stereotypes but also established her as a cultural mediator.

In 2017, Hodan's expertise earned her a role as an advisor to Somalia's president. She applied her academic knowledge to policy, focusing on development and fostering Somalia-China cooperation.

Now, as Somalia's ambassador to China, Hodan envisions a future of stronger political, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations. She emphasizes the role of cultural exchange in fostering mutual understanding, vowing to strengthen economic partnerships while nurturing people-to-people connections.