During a special briefing session at the 2024 China-Africa Cooperation Forum Summit, representatives from Zhejiang Province shared three compelling stories that highlight the profound impact of Sino-African collaboration. The briefing, held at the summit’s news center, featured金华市委书记朱重烈 (Ju Zhonglie), Deputy Director of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Foreign Affairs Chen Jiangfeng, and Zhejiang Provincial Department of Commerce Chief Economist Zhu Jun, who discussed the province’s and the city of Jinhua’s engagement with African partners.
A Young Entrepreneur’s Journey to Nigeria
The first story revolves around a young entrepreneur from Taizhou, Zhejiang, named Lai Jianfeng. In 2022, Jianfeng ventured to Nigeria to start his own business. He invested in a timber processing plant and a mine, creating employment opportunities for over 500 locals. Beyond his business ventures, Jianfeng actively contributed to community development by funding and organizing the digging of wells and irrigation channels, establishing a youth football team, and engaging in various charitable activities. His dedication and leadership earned him the title of Chief in Nigeria, where he is now seen as a role model for community development and poverty alleviation.
An African Entrepreneur’s Success in Zhejiang
The second story features Sule Hart, a Senegalese entrepreneur who arrived in Yiwu, Zhejiang, in 2003. Hart, who is often referred to as a new Zhejiang merchant, built his business leveraging the vast array of products available in Yiwu’s China Commodity City. Over the past two decades, his business has flourished, with 2023 alone seeing him ship over 4,000 containers and more than 1,000 different products to Africa. Hart has also expanded his business by establishing a new energy ride-hailing company in Dakar, Senegal, introducing the滴滴 (DiDi) model to the country for the first time.
An African Woman’s Journey to Self-Discovery in China
The third story is about Hodan Osman, an 80s girl from Somalia who came to Jinhua to study after graduating from high school. After completing her undergraduate and master’s degrees at Zhejiang Normal University, Hodan went on to pursue her Ph.D. at Zhejiang University. She then returned to Jinhua to join the faculty at Zhejiang Normal University’s African Research Institute. During her studies, Hodan co-directed and starred in a documentary titled I Came from Africa, which received a warm reception when she presented it at the University of London in 2017. Her story is a testament to the cultural exchanges and personal growth that occur when individuals from Africa and China come together.
Strengthening Sino-African Ties
These stories underscore the deepening economic and cultural ties between Zhejiang and African nations. The province’s active engagement in trade and investment has not only facilitated economic growth but also fostered mutual understanding and friendship. The narratives of these brave individuals, who have ventured across continents to pursue their dreams, symbolize the evolving nature of Sino-African relations, moving from going to Africa to settling in Africa and now connecting Africa.
By sharing these inspiring stories, Zhejiang has showcased the positive impact of its cooperation with African partners. The province’s commitment to fostering mutual growth and understanding serves as a model for the broader China-Africa relationship, highlighting the potential for collaboration to drive progress and prosperity on both continents.
The briefing concluded with a call for continued collaboration and mutual support, emphasizing that the success stories shared are just a few examples of the many ongoing interactions between Zhejiang and African nations. As these partnerships continue to grow, the potential for mutual benefit and cultural exchange remains vast, promising a bright future for both sides.
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