With ever-changing policies, expensive logistics, and lagging payments, this blue ocean of 1.2 billion people is becoming a "painful yet happy place" for global sellers When over 80% of international sellers on Jumia come from China, and 35% of the South African women's clothing market is seized by SHEIN - African e-commerce may seem to be full of gold, but in reality, it is full of hidden dangers. Policy changes, sky high logistics prices, and delayed payments are causing countless cross-border sellers with gold mining dreams to fail. Policy minefield: Assault on taxation and compliance crisis 1. Tariff 'grey rhino' raid Sri Lanka Warning: In April 2025, Sri Lanka Customs cancelled the fixed tax system for small packages and changed it to taxation based on HS codes, resulting in a delay in customs clearance time from days to weeks and a peak backlog of 40 tons of packages. The shipping cost of an ordinary hat skyrocketed to 17000 rupees (about 380 RMB), equivalent to two weeks' salary for the local ordinary people. South African policy encirclement: The government plans to raise the clothing import tax from 20% to 45%, and strictly investigate platforms such as SHEIN for "using small tariff exemptions to avoid taxes". Consumers often encounter "secondary charges": paying taxes and fees after the goods arrive before they can be picked up. 2. The rise of local protectionism Industry associations in multiple African countries are lobbying governments to raise tariff barriers. For example, the South African clothing industry has requested a 300% -400% increase in import tariffs to counter the low price impact of Chinese goods. Logistics Black Hole: Inefficient Customs Clearance and "Last Mile" Skyhigh Cost Nigeria's customs clearance efficiency plummeted sharply: CTN system requires complete documents, and information deviation triggers inspection, with an average customs clearance cycle of 5-7 days. Ivory Coast: In 2025, new regulations require electronic declaration 72 hours in advance, and those who exceed the deadline will face demurrage fees and priority downgrades. The cost of the last kilometer is abnormally high The final delivery cost in Africa accounts for 35% -55% of the total goods price (global average of 28%), and the core issue lies in: Missing address system: In rural Kenya, it is necessary to contact the recipient through WhatsApp to confirm the landmark, which increases the delivery time for a single ticket by more than 20 minutes; Fragmentation of transportation capacity: Jumia established a crowdsourcing network of 5000 riders in Nigeria, while BUFFALO set up 2000 self pickup containers in South Africa, which increased the delivery rate from 50% to 85%. Profit dilemma: a life and death game between high costs and low customer unit prices Local platforms are deeply mired in losses Jumia: Continuously losing money for 11 years, exiting inefficient markets such as South Africa in 2024; Takelot suffered a loss of $22 million in 2023, with GMV growth plummeting from 72% to 15%. High threshold for seller operation Storage costs: Storage costs in African countries are generally higher than the average living standards of local residents; Long stocking cycle: Local platforms require local stocking, which can take up to 2-3 months, putting pressure on the financial chain of small and medium-sized sellers; Low unit price is not profitable: low-priced products lack market competitiveness, with home appliances and 3C becoming the main profitable categories. The way to break through: localization, compliance, and ecologicalization Logistics: mixed transportation capacity+digital customs clearance Mixed capacity network: Jumia Logistics integrates flexible capacity such as motorcycles and bicycles, reducing urban delivery to 24 hours; Customs clearance pre-approval system: GO POST project, a collaboration between non trade cross-border and Ivory Coast Post, reduces intra city delivery costs by 20% through digital scheduling. Payment: Embracing the Digital Financial Revolution in Africa The African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) promotes the upgrade of cross-border payments: Nigeria: 60% of small and medium-sized enterprises use tools such as Flutterwave to complete cross-border payments; Kenya: M-Pesa achieves payment interconnectivity in East Africa. Policy: Transfer Path+Compliance Custody Tariff avoidance strategy: Transit through some ASEAN countries (Malaysia/Singapore to Sri Lanka and then to the destination country), and use the ASEAN trade agreement to reduce tariffs; Full chain compliance service: Avoiding platform penalty risks through tag design and authentication coaching. Operation: High customer unit price+local warehouse distribution Product selection strategy: Focus on high order and low return categories such as home appliances and refurbished computers, avoiding the trap of light and small items; Overseas warehouse layout: Establish overseas warehouses locally and deploy a transportation network to achieve local last mile speed. African e-commerce is not a paradise for low-priced dumping, but the ultimate test room for policy sensitivity and localization depth. When global giants and local platforms are in close combat on the battlefield of 1.2 billion people, only by deeply integrating China's supply chain advantages with Africa's localization genes can we navigate through the minefield.

Trump's tariff order shakes the African continent! The executive order signed on July 31st imposes tariffs on 69 trading partners, including many African countries, leaving Africa with less than a week of buffer period (effective August 7th). The assembly line of a car parts factory in Johannesburg, South Africa, fell into an unusually quiet state. The heavy hammer of a 30% tariff in the United States fell, causing a sharp decrease in orders and forcing workers to return home early. The South African government warns that 30000 job opportunities are at risk. In sharp contrast, coffee farmers in Ethiopia are eagerly packing coffee beans for shipment to China. Faced with a 35% impact on exports from the 10% tariff imposed by the United States, the largest coffee producing country in Africa is firmly shifting its focus to the East and plans to expand its market to 20 countries. Disaster stricken areas: South Africa unemployment tsunami, Lesotho's' unheard of 'pain South Africa, as the most severely impacted country in sub Saharan Africa, is subject to the highest tariff of 30% in sub Saharan Africa. South African Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Ramora warns that this policy may lower the South African economy by 0.2 percentage points. Hamilton, Director General of the South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, bluntly stated that "pillar industries such as automobile manufacturing and agricultural product processing will be dealt a devastating blow!" The data is shocking: in the first quarter of 2025, the unemployment rate in South Africa has soared to 32.9%, and the youth unemployment rate has reached 46.1%. The situation in Lesotho is tragic. This landlocked small country, which heavily relies on textile exports, ultimately received tariffs reduced from 50% to 15%, but the initial shock wave has caused thousands of people to lose their jobs. Prime Minister Matt Kane was forced to declare a two-year state of disaster for the country. Ironically, Trump publicly referred to Lesotho as an "unheard of country". Africa Strikes Back: Market Diversification+Regional Alliances, Seeking New Paths of Life South Africa urgently launches the 'Export Enterprise Support Platform', with President Ramaphosa personally deploying three major measures: Establish a 24-hour exit service desk Initiate emergency assistance program for enterprises Implement employment protection plan The strategic core directly refers to market diversification. South African Minister of Mines and Petroleum Resources Mantashe firmly stated, 'Our biggest trading partner is China, not the United States!' The government is making every effort to explore emerging markets such as China, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. Ethiopia staged a 'coffee breakout battle': Consolidate traditional markets such as Germany, Italy, Japan, and China Entering emerging regions such as the Middle East New fiscal year goal: Expand coffee exporting countries to 20 The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has become a key trump card. This agreement, which covers 55 countries and aims to eliminate 90% of tariff barriers, is creating a single market for 1.3 billion people and becoming a shield for Africa to resist external storms. Coffee crisis: Ethiopia blocked by Red Sea, Uganda rises against the trend Ethiopia (the world's fifth largest exporter of Arabica coffee) has suffered a precise blow: 10% US tariff ≈ 35% evaporation of export value Heavy blow to the record breaking annual export value of 2.65 billion US dollars Although there is a miracle of explosive sales (with revenue exceeding 2.24 billion US dollars within 11 months) But the Fano armed forces control the Amhara region and the Red Sea shipping crisis, like two sharp swords hanging from the top Uganda has achieved a historic breakthrough: Double revenue to $2.2 billion in 2024/25 In May 2025, the export volume exceeded Ethiopia for the first time (47606.7 tons vs 43481.0 tons) Success password: ▶️  Government led quality upgrade ▶️  Expand export capacity ▶️  Launch the 'Coffee Roadmap': Target 20 million bags by 2030, with an annual revenue of 15 billion When Ethiopia struggles in the midst of war and shipping difficulties, Uganda achieves' overtaking on the bend 'with precise strategy Light of East Africa: Trade Reversal! Regional cooperation submits full score answer sheet     The East African Community (EAC) staged a stunning reversal: Q1 2025: From a deficit of 4 billion to a surplus of 800 million! Exports surged 47.3% to $17.7 billion Imports only slightly increased by 4.6% to 16.8 billion US dollars Secret Weapon: Regional Trade Explosion Internal trade within EAC surged 53.6% ($5.2 billion) Intra African trade → increased by 53.9% (9.5 billion US dollars, accounting for 27.5% of the total) This proves the effectiveness of eliminating trade barriers! "Emphasized the EAC communiqu é. In the midst of global trade turbulence, East Africa has set a regional self rescue example for the rest of Africa. China's Opportunities vs. Independent Path: Zero Tariff Dividend and AfCFTA's Future Emergency opening of Chinese buffer valve: 2023: Suspend non-tariff tariffs By 2025, 53 African countries with diplomatic relations will enjoy 100% zero tariffs The scale of trade continues to expand: ▶️  In 2023, exports to Africa amounted to 148 billion US dollars ▶️  Africa exports over 110 billion US dollars to China Ghanaian economist Menza affirmed, "This provides crucial support for Africa to hedge against the impact of the United States But the reef still exists: ⚠️ South African researcher Lesvolo warns: 'Without protective policies, low-priced Chinese goods may stifle emerging industries in Africa!' ⚠️  Deeper crisis: China's exports are still mainly based on raw materials, which may strengthen the dependence chain of the "resource curse" The key to Africa's path to autonomy: AfCFTA Economist Levane exclaimed, 'This crisis reminds us that we must forge endogenous resilience!' If we can activate the market potential of AfCFTA's 1.3 billion population, Africa can truly break free from 'colonial economic dependence'. The heavy hammer of US tariffs shattered the old chain, but also awakened the African continent: Look east and seize the opportunity of zero tariffs in China; Inward search, activate the billion dollar market of AfCFTA; Accurately positioning itself in global gaps, like the wild growth of Ugandan coffee. When a door is violently closed, a new window is being smashed open by flesh and blood—— This time, the key is in Africa's own hands.

Food imports play a crucial role in shaping the economic and cultural landscape of Africa. From an economic perspective, food imports have a dual impact. On the one hand, it provides opportunities for local businesses involved in distribution and retail; On the other hand, it helps to stabilize food prices and ensure that people of different income levels can afford food. It is expected that by 2025, Africa's import bill will exceed $110 billion, and the strategic importance of food imports as an economic driver and cultural bridge is self-evident. These imported foods not only meet the basic nutritional needs of residents on the African continent, but also bring new cooking experiences and enrich the culinary world of Africa. The harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity The process of food consumption in Africa is a rich and colorful narrative, in which traditional and modern elements are intertwined. From Nigeria's jollof rice to Namibia's dried meat strips, local agricultural products carry profound cultural significance and regional characteristics. With the wave of globalization sweeping across, imported foods such as Italian pasta and Chinese grains are frequently appearing on African dining tables. These new members not only inject new vitality into African food culture, but also meet consumers' pursuit of fresh flavors and diverse experiences. In this fusion, Africa has not lost itself, but has created a unique culinary art through the clever combination of imported food and local ingredients. Imported goods not only fill the gap in the local supply chain, but also play an important role in special periods such as climate disasters or seasonal shortages. At the same time, this integration has also prompted African consumers to become more open and inclusive, deepening their understanding and appreciation of international cuisine. The trend leads to a new trend in food. With the acceleration of urbanization in Africa and the rise of the middle class, the number of people is expected to increase by 17 million by 2043, reaching 91.4 million. Global food trends are profoundly affecting the food consumption pattern in Africa. Emerging fields such as processed and packaged food, organic superfoods, and sustainable products are gradually becoming the focus of consumer attention. These changes not only reflect the increasing emphasis of African consumers on health and environmental protection, but also their pursuit of fresh flavors and convenient lifestyles. Tanzania is a good example, as a study in the Journal of Global and Security shows that due to "urban food environments and higher incomes," people who migrate from rural to urban areas are more likely to adopt processed foods. To meet these demands, food companies need to closely monitor market dynamics and consumer trends, and adjust product structure and marketing strategies in a timely manner. At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation with local producers and supply chain partners to jointly promote innovation and development in the African food industry Chinese food exports to Africa in large quantities due to Africa's relatively lagging manufacturing industry, especially in the field of processed food, with limited variety. Therefore, Africa imported a large amount of processed food from China. For example, influenced by Chinese instant noodle culture, African consumers have gradually fallen in love with this convenient and delicious food. In order to better enjoy instant noodles, many people have even learned how to use chopsticks, which shows the popularity of instant noodles in Africa. However, as the local food processing industry in Africa is still in its infancy, most of the canned foods sold in the market need to be imported. For example, although Nigeria is one of the high-yield countries for tomatoes, due to insufficient processing capacity, the country still needs to import a large amount of canned tomato sauce, with an annual import volume of about 190000 tons. It is worth mentioning that canned mushrooms produced in China are particularly popular in the Algerian market. There are many types of canned products in China. In addition to canned shiitake mushrooms, there are also various types of canned mushrooms such as gray white shiitake mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, monkey head mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, and big soccer mushrooms. The flavors range from plain, salted, to vinegar soaked. These canned foods have won the love of Algerian consumers due to their delicious, convenient, and hygienic characteristics. Due to its early entry into the market, China's canned mushroom products now occupy approximately 80% of the market share in Algeria. New opportunities for food imports in the digital age Driven by the digital age, the food import industry in Africa is facing unprecedented development opportunities. With the popularity of the Internet and the rise of e-commerce, more and more African consumers have begun to buy imported food through online platforms. It is predicted that by 2025, Africa will add 300 million new internet users, joining the existing 473 million online users. This trend not only provides companies with a broader market space, but also encourages them to constantly explore new business models and marketing strategies. The African Trade Center Network (hereinafter referred to as "Cross border Non Trade") is a leader that emerged in response to this trend. By providing one-stop service support, we have built a close connection bridge between enterprises and consumers. Including business information, business cooperation, import and export of goods, overseas warehousing, international logistics, national exhibition halls, comprehensive bonded industrial parks, etc., to ensure that enterprises' investments can receive maximum returns and social benefits. Intelligent navigation of regulatory maze The continent is composed of 54 countries, each with its unique regulations and cultural background, which makes food imports particularly complex. However, it is precisely this complexity that drives African countries to constantly explore and improve their regulatory systems to ensure food safety and quality. From technical barriers to trade (TBTs) to sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS), to tariffs and other trade taxes, these regulations provide clear guidance for businesses while protecting the interests of domestic farmers and consumers. The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has brought new opportunities and challenges to food imports. The organization is committed to promoting trade liberalization within Africa and facilitating the free flow of goods and services through unified rules and standards. For food import companies, this means a deeper understanding of AfCFTA's rules and guidelines to ensure that products can enter the market smoothly and comply with local safety protocols. In this complex food import process, non trade cross-border has become an option, simplifying the administrative maze and enhancing reliability. In non trade cross-border, enterprises not only gain a market, but also access a network composed of reliable suppliers and buyers.

The second-hand economy is no longer a marginal choice in Africa: More than 50% of the population relies on second-hand goods to meet their basic needs. China exports $624 million worth of second-hand clothing to Africa annually, accounting for over 60% of Africa's total imports. In 2021, China has replaced Europe as the largest source of second-hand goods in Africa. When these old objects that cross oceans become dignified choices for African families, there is a profound transformation in survival wisdom, market logic, and global resource allocation behind them. In China, they are called 'outdated'; In Africa, they are called 'just right'. The economic rationality behind price crushing In African street markets, a second-hand Chinese clothing item sells for about 3-10 yuan, while the local new clothes on the nearby shelves are priced at more than ten times that. Economic reality determines consumer choices. More than 30 countries in Africa have a per capita GDP below $2000, and when household budgets are extremely limited, second-hand goods become the optimal solution to maintain basic dignity. Consumer behavior reflects the logic of economics. In the consumption model of low-income households in Africa, there is a formula for calculating "decent value for money": ✅ Expenditure item: Second hand clothing only accounts for 15% -20% of the clothing budget. ✅ Benefit item: Obtain 80% of the wearing life equivalent to new clothes. ✅ Opportunity cost: The saved funds can be redirected towards rigid expenditures such as food and education. Survival wisdom for treating pain points specifically The practicality of second-hand goods in China precisely solves the special pain points in Africa. It is not accidental that polyester fiber school uniforms have become the preferred choice for African workwear: ✅ Wear resistance test: Polyester fiber fabric has higher wear resistance than cotton. ✅ Environmental adaptation: The anti washing and anti moisture properties perfectly match the high temperature and high humidity environment in Africa. ✅ Economic lifespan: The average service life far exceeds that of local new products. The same pragmatic logic extends to more categories. Taking used cars as an example, they also occupy an irreplaceable dominant position in the African automotive market due to their cost-effectiveness and durability in adapting to African road conditions. Many African households and small businesses prioritize second-hand vehicles: ✅  On the one hand, second-hand cars priced at only one-third or even lower than new cars can significantly reduce their travel costs. ✅  On the other hand, mature models that have been verified by the market have more guarantees in maintenance and parts supply, perfectly meeting the local consumer demand for "affordable, long-lasting, and easy to repair". Unexpected premium of cultural symbols On the streets of Africa, young people can often be seen wearing clothing with Chinese characters such as "Ele.me" printed on it. They may not be aware of the specific meanings of these characters, but they see them as' trend symbols from China '. Chinese characters are becoming the social currency of African youth. ✅  Second hand clothing with Chinese characters creates premium space ✅  As a result, the profit margin of second-hand vendors has increased ✅  The number of social media related topics is increasing The migration of cultural symbols reshapes the value of commodities. A typical takeout employee outfit in China has undergone identity transformation in Africa: Labor protective equipment → Street fashion symbols → Identity recognition media Local young consumers have formed a new cognitive formula: Chinese elements=durability+cultural taste

The 220 million population dividend collides with the boom of mobile payment, and the transformation of the oil economy gives rise to a multi-billion-yuan infrastructure gap - a fission in Africa's largest consumer market. Country Profile Nigeria is located in the southeast of West Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, with a total area of 923,800 square kilometers and its capital being Abuja. As the country with the largest population in Africa, it boasts a complex ethnic composition, encompassing over 300 ethnic groups. Among them, the Hausa-Fulani (29%), Yoruba (21%), and Igbo (18%) constitute the three major ethnic groups. ✅ The official language is English, but Pidgin English is the actual lingua franca. ✅ The economic structure exhibits significant dualism: traditional agriculture accounts for about 25% of GDP, mainly involving the cultivation of cassava, corn, cocoa, etc.; modern service industries have developed rapidly, relying on Lagos, the financial center and largest city in Africa, with the stock exchange ranking first in Africa in terms of market capitalization. ✅ The coverage rate of the education system reaches 70%, but higher education resources are scarce. ✅ In terms of socio-cultural characteristics, there is a high degree of religious integration (approximately 50% Muslims and 50% Christians), with traditional religions still exerting influence. ✅ The consumer market exhibits a "dual-track system": high-end luxury goods coexist with affordable alternatives, with local brands such as Dangote Cement and Nestlé Nigeria occupying significant market positions. ✅ The mobile internet penetration rate has reached 70%, giving birth to Flutterwave, Africa's first unicorn company (payment platform). Core data: Population: 220 million (1st in Africa), with a prominent youth population (average age 18.3 years), and an urbanization rate of 53% with an annual increase of 2.3%.   Currency: Nigerian Naira (NGN), which has depreciated by nearly 70% since 2023. Foreign investors suggest using USD/RMB settlement to hedge risks. Resource Endowment 1. Traditional energy: in the midst of the transition from a petroleum-based economy Oil reserves: 37 billion barrels (1st in Africa), but crude oil theft results in an average daily loss of 200,000 barrels.    Natural gas potential: With natural gas reserves of 209.26 trillion cubic feet, it ranks first in Africa and ninth globally.    Dilemma: Insufficient refining capacity, with 85% of refined oil products relying on imports. The commissioning of the Dangote Refinery (the world's largest single-line refinery) will change the landscape.    2. Digital economy: service sector leads growth Contribution in Q1 2025: The service sector accounted for 57.5% of GDP, with telecommunications (+7.4%) and fintech (+8.2%) leading the way. Mobile payment boom: digital payment transaction volume reached $42 billion in 2024 (with an annual growth rate of 37%), with OPay and Palmpay accounting for 85% of the market share.    Digital services account for approximately 35% of the service sector, primarily concentrated in mobile payment, e-commerce, and logistics, forming a "dual-track growth" alongside the oil economy. Potential foreign trade opportunities 1. Energy transformation industry chain Refining and chemical supporting facilities: After the commissioning of the Dangote refinery, there will be a surge in demand for catalysts, valves, and piping materials.    Photovoltaic energy storage: The annual demand growth rate for industrial and commercial photovoltaic energy storage systems (50-500kW) will prioritize the deployment in Lagos and Abuja industrial zones. 2. Digital infrastructure and hardware 4G/5G equipment: MTN continues to invest heavily in Nigeria's network expansion, with significant investments directed towards upgrading 4G/5G coverage. Currently, network coverage in Nigeria is uneven, with weak signals and limited internet speeds in remote areas. There is a significant demand gap for core equipment such as base stations and fiber optics. As the expansion progresses, the demand for related equipment procurement will continue to increase.   Smart devices: Low-end smartphones (<$100) are the mainstream in the Nigerian market, aligning with local consumption capabilities.   3. Consumption upgrade for people's livelihood Fast-moving consumer goods: Flour, vegetable oil, and milk powder account for about 60% of food imports, with cost-effective products dominating the market. Agricultural machinery: Demand for small-scale harvesters (suitable for small agricultural plots) and mobile grain dryers is on the rise. 4. Rigid demand for medical and health services Localized production: The goal of Nigeria's PVAC plan is to achieve 70% localized production of pharmaceuticals by 2030, with tax exemptions for investments in infusion bags and antibiotic raw material factories. To seize the largest consumer market in Africa, one needs both patience and courage.

In Africa, 54 countries, thousands of languages, and diverse religious beliefs intertwine to form a unique cultural tapestry. Whether it's for business cooperation, tourism, or studying abroad, understanding local etiquette is the first step towards building trust. Greetings: enthusiasm is the best "gift" for meeting The enthusiasm of our African friends couldn't be concealed from the moment we met. In both urban and rural areas in Africa, it is common for strangers to nod and smile when passing each other. Shaking hands is a common etiquette in most African countries, and there's a trick - apply a slight pressure when shaking hands, as they view it as a sign of friendliness and respect. In East African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, gently touching one's chest after shaking hands is a local way of expressing "I hold you in my heart." When encountering such a gesture, it is best to accept it with openness. However, in African countries with a large Arab population, such as Egypt and Libya, one should be mindful of gender differences when greeting. When same-sex friends meet, hugging and cheek-to-cheek kissing are common intimate gestures. However, for opposite-sex friends meeting for the first time, a handshake is sufficient. Women from some conservative families may only nod in acknowledgment. In such cases, there's no need to force a handshake; a smile and greeting are equally appropriate. Respect religions and customs: Don't step on these "invisible minefields" There are nearly 500 million Muslims in Africa, primarily distributed in North Africa and West Africa. If you happen to interact with them during the month of Ramadan, remember: Muslims fast and refrain from drinking water during the day, so never eat, drink, or even smoke in front of them. Just like in Morocco, during Ramadan, many local restaurants are closed during the day, and even if they are open, they will use curtains to separate areas for non-Muslims. Besides Islam, the traditional tribal culture of Africa is also worth paying attention to. ✅ In the Zulu-speaking region of South Africa, cattle are not only a symbol of wealth, but also an important offering during rituals. When chatting with Zulu friends, avoid saying things like "the beef is delicious" - to them, cows are like "family members". ✅ Similarly, the Yoruba people in West Africa regard monkeys as "sacred messengers", so it would be more appropriate to avoid making fun of monkeys when chatting. ✅ In rural areas of Africa, it is advisable to knock or shout before entering someone's residence. Many tribes believe that "barging in" will disturb the spirits of ancestors. Especially in rural areas of Malawi and Zambia, it is basic politeness to stand at the door and wait until the host says "please come in". ✅ When receiving food from your host, use your right hand to take it - in most African cultures, the left hand is considered "unclean", and passing something with your left hand is considered disrespectful. When giivng gifts, avoid taboos: In regions with a large Muslim population, avoid giving alcoholic beverages as gifts; in southern African countries such as Zimbabwe and Botswana, avoid giving white gifts - locals believe that white symbolizes mourning. Bringing small gifts with Chinese characteristics, such as folding fans and paper-cutting, is often very popular, but remember not to use black packaging - in many African cultures, black is associated with sadness. Actually, "respect" is a universal principle for all ethnic groups. If you're unsure whether a certain behavior is appropriate, it's best to directly ask, "Are there any special customs I should be aware of?" Most African friends will be happy to inform you.

In recent years, some African countries have achieved rapid growth in specific industries, becoming highlights in emerging markets. Tanzania: The dual development of port economy and fishery processing As an important port country in East Africa, Tanzania is building a regional logistics hub by leveraging the location advantages of Dar es Salaam Port and Bagamoyo Port (under planning). By increasing port cargo throughput, improving supporting transportation networks (such as railways and highways), attracting neighboring countries to transfer goods, and driving the development of warehousing, transportation and other service industries. At the same time, its long coastline is rich in fishery resources, and in recent years, it has shifted from "primary fishing" to "deep processing". The export volume of frozen fish, canned fish and other products has increased, which not only extends the industrial chain but also reduces resource waste, becoming an important economic growth point outside of agriculture. Namibia: The characteristic integration of uranium mining development and marine economy Namibia is one of the world's important uranium exporting countries, and the uranium industry relies on mature mining technology and international cooperation to form a complete chain from mining, refining to export. In addition, its unique marine ecology (such as Skeleton Coast and cold water fishery resources) has promoted the diversification of the "marine economy": in addition to traditional fisheries, emerging fields such as seawater desalination technology research and development, marine ecological scientific research and tourism (such as whale watching and scientific research base construction) are gradually emerging, transforming resource advantages into industrial competitiveness. Benin: Collaborative upgrading of cashew processing and cross-border trade Benin is one of the main cashew producing countries in West Africa, but it has long relied on "raw material exports" with extremely low added value. In recent years, by introducing processing technology and building cashew processing plants, the transformation from "selling cashew nuts" to "deep processing" has been achieved - the export volume of cashew oil, cashew protein powder and other products has increased, and the profit of the industrial chain has been improved. Meanwhile, relying on its cross-border trade advantages with neighboring countries such as Nigeria, Benin has established agricultural product trading markets in border cities, becoming a distribution center for regional cashew nuts, cotton and other agricultural products, driving the development of commerce and small and micro enterprises.

In China, short dramas such as "CEO spoils his little wife" and "Rebirth, counterattacks, and abuse of scumbag relatives" on vertical screens have become a hot topic with a record of over 100 million yuan in daily recharge and over 1 billion yuan in single movie revenue. And when they set sail, they also swept the storm of "electronic pickled vegetables" around the world. ✅  United States: ReelShort topped the iOS entertainment chart with hits such as "Fated to My Forbidden Alpha," leaving Netflix behind; ✅  Japan: TopShort's income increased by 110% year-on-year in February 2024 due to localized high school sadomasochistic relationships; ✅  Southeast Asia: ShortTV's translated rural comeback drama has surpassed 30 million views in the Philippines, Thailand, and other places, becoming the most downloaded short drama app in the region within 6 months of its launch; ✅  South Korea: DramaWave debuted at number 1 on the South Korean Google Play Entertainment chart in March 2025 with blockbuster dramas such as "Married My Sister's Fianc é".At this point, domestic short dramas have blossomed in the three major markets of North America, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, with annual revenue from in app purchases skyrocketing from $170 million (2024) to nearly $700 million (2025Q1), turning fragmented time into a dazzling billion dollar race track with a "refreshing rhythm" that reverses every minute. In the first quarter of 2025, the global download volume of Chinese short drama apps exceeded 370 million times (a year-on-year increase of 6.2 times), and 18 of the top 20 overseas short drama apps were developed by Chinese teams. Since short dramas have become popular in other overseas markets, what about the large market of 1.4 billion people in Africa? Will local audiences be interested in these 'top tier dramas'? In fact, as early as 2024, many short drama producers have set their sights on the African market. In September 2024, the tomato novel under ByteDance began to test the short play product FlexTV in Africa; Kwai also launched the short play APP "Storia" focusing on the African market; In October of the same year, MoboReels, a global short drama app under DianDian Interactive, began to focus on the African market. Will Africa become the next growth curve for short dramas? According to market data, the African market has enormous potential. As the fastest growing region in the world, Africa's Internet penetration rate is also increasing year by year. Judging from the performance of the short drama in the African market, it is also quite impressive. The DataEye report shows that at present, the content of short dramas in Africa is still mainly translated dramas, with a relatively small proportion of local dramas. But these translated dramas have not only achieved impressive playback results in the African market - for example, works such as "The Substitute Wife" and "The Secret Billionaire" have surpassed tens of millions of views. What is even more noteworthy is that their paid conversion rates are also outstanding. According to data from Vskit, a short video platform under Transsion Holdings, the Chinese magic modified short drama series "God of War Returns" (incorporating African chieftain culture) has a paid conversion rate of 8.7% in Nigeria, far exceeding the domestic average level. In addition, the local film and television industry in Africa is not well-developed and cannot meet the growing entertainment needs of the local people, which also provides a certain market space for the entry of short dramas.Cultural Differences and Content Adaptation Challenges Despite the enormous potential of the African market, the content adaptation challenges brought about by cultural differences are like a big mountain standing in front of short dramas. Africa has 54 countries, each with its own unique culture, language, and values. ✅  Taking language as an example, Africa is the most linguistically rich continent in the world, with over 2000 languages according to statistics. In the process of translating and dubbing short dramas, it is a huge challenge to accurately translate the plot and lines into the local language, and ensure that the dubbing actors can accurately convey emotions and tone. ✅  From the perspective of values, there are significant differences in values among different countries and regions in Africa. In some African countries, the concept of family is very strong, and the interests of the family are higher than personal interests; In other countries, individualism is more prevalent. The content of the short drama needs to fully consider these differences in values and avoid audience loss due to cultural conflicts. ✅  From the perspective of content themes, African audiences have different preferences for content themes compared to other regions. According to a DataEye report, short dramas with realistic and inspirational themes are more likely to resonate with audiences in the African market. This requires short drama producers to have a deep understanding of the needs of the African market in content creation and produce works that meet the tastes of local audiences. ✅  In Africa, some content themes may be restricted due to cultural and religious influences. In some countries, religious beliefs are very strict, and short dramas that involve sensitive religious content or violate religious doctrines may face resistance. Therefore, in the process of content creation and review, short drama manufacturers need to fully understand the local cultural and religious background to avoid crossing red lines. In addition to cultural differences, Africa's network infrastructure and payment environment also urgently need to be improved. Overall, the African market presents both opportunities and challenges for short dramas.

Ivory Coast Airlines, from recovery to takeoff! Past: Setting Off Again on the Ruins In September 2011, the old "Air Ivory" airline, which had been controlled by Air France, went bankrupt and ceased operations. In May 2012, the government of Cote d'Ivoire, in collaboration with Air France (which held a 20% stake at the time), re registered "Air C ô te d'Ivoire" with a capital of 25 billion CFA francs (approximately 48.87 million US dollars) and a fleet of only six second-hand Airbus aircraft. That year, the passenger throughput of Abidjan Airport was less than one million, and the Western Community route was almost monopolized by foreign airlines, with domestic airlines having a negligible share. Now: profitable for two consecutive years 1. Financial performance In 2024, a net profit of 1.47 billion West African francs (approximately 2.62 million US dollars) was achieved, a year-on-year increase of 125%, marking the second consecutive year of profitability. The fleet has expanded to 12 aircraft. 2. Passenger Transport and Airline Routes In 2024, there were 2.535 million passengers at Abidjan Airport, an increase of 171% compared to 2020. • Route distribution: The internal passenger volume of the Western Community accounts for 33.9%, France accounts for 24.1%, other African countries account for 23.6%, Europe outside of France accounts for 7%, North America accounts for 1.6%, other parts of the world accounts for 6.7%, and domestic flights account for 3.1%. The market share of the Western Community is 52%, firmly ranking first in the region. 3. Freight transportation In 2024, there will be 32000 tons of cargo and mail at Abidjan Airport, with an estimated 34000 tons by 2025. Image source: Economic and Commercial Department of the Embassy of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire Future: Three Main Lines Lock in the 'Gateway to West Africa' 1. Route encryption Sahel vacuum: Air France will cease flights to Bamako, Niamey, and Mogadishu from 2023. Starting from June 2025, Air Cote d'Ivoire will increase its weekly flights from 10 to 14 in Niamey and Mogadishu, while maintaining 13 flights in Bamako. Long route breakthrough: Waiting for the results of the French air rights negotiations, we plan to open one daily flight (A330neo) from Abidjan to Paris within 2025, directly facing the existing capacity of three daily flights from Air France/Corsica Airlines.   2. Infrastructure The second phase expansion of Abidjan International Airport will be completed in 2026, with a designed annual throughput of 5 million passengers and the ability to accommodate A380 aircraft. 3. Government Ambition The 2026-2028 Transport Master Plan proposes "one hub, two centers" - with Abidjan as the West African passenger hub, Yamoussoukro as the freight center, and San Pedro as the sea air intermodal hub. Image source: Economic and Commercial Department of the Embassy of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire Chinese merchants' foreign trade 'boarding pass' 1. Aviation supporting facilities Fleet expansion brings demand for aviation materials and maintenance: Chinese aviation companies can deeply participate by leveraging their technological accumulation and cost advantages. The airport expansion project has issued a tender for runway lighting system, baggage sorting line, and cold chain storage equipment. 2. Cross border e-commerce In 2024, there were a total of 318 cargo charter flights from Abidjan to Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Yiwu, loaded with mobile phones, clothing, and photovoltaic inverters; Bring cocoa beans, frozen shrimp, and dried mango for the return trip.

According to the African Financial Information News Agency on April 28th, the Board of Directors of the African Development Fund, a subsidiary of the African Development Bank, has approved over 21.44 million US dollars in funding to support rice development projects in West Africa. Among them, 18.6 million US dollars will be loaned to Cote d'Ivoire to support rice development in the central region, develop sustainable intelligent rice production systems, and ensure that rice quality and yield meet the needs of local people. Source: Economic and Commercial Department of the Embassy of the Republic of C ô te d'Ivoire When the African Development Fund officially announced a $21.44 million investment in West Africa to focus on rice, global attention once again turned to Cote d'Ivoire - a country that had long been "carrying cocoa bowls and eating imported rice" - and was putting rice at the C-level of its national food security strategy. Rice Ambition under National Strategy Cote d'Ivoire, located along the coast of the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, is an important agricultural country with fertile land and abundant resources. However, in the rice industry, despite some progress in recent years, it still faces many challenges. The Ivorian government has elevated the rice industry to an unprecedented strategic level. In the 2019 government restructuring, Cote d'Ivoire established a specialized rice cultivation promotion department, becoming one of the few countries to have such a department. Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Cote d'Ivoire, has stated that due to investments in improving high-yield seeds and developing water agriculture, rice production has significantly increased from 900000 tons from 2010 to 2015 to 1.3 million tons in 2023 and 1.55 million tons in 2024. However, even so, Cote d'Ivoire still has some distance to go before achieving self-sufficiency in rice, and it actually needs 2.1 million tons of rice to achieve this goal. In the past two years, Cote d'Ivoire has been the second largest rice importing country in Africa after Nigeria, mainly importing 1.6 million tons of milled rice from India, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Thailand. Current situation and pain points ✅ Insufficient production: The yield of rice in Cote d'Ivoire is only 4 tons/hectare, far lower than China's level of 6-8 tons/hectare, and local production can only meet 10% -15% of demand. ✅ Technical shortcomings: Traditional manual planting is the main method, with low mechanization rate and high postpartum loss rate. ✅ Import dependence: By 2024, rice imports will reach 960 million US dollars, accounting for 40% of the total agricultural imports. The government urgently needs to reduce foreign exchange pressure through local production. The newly appointed Minister of Rice Cultivation Promotion, Gaowusu Toure, publicly pledged that Cote d'Ivoire plans to achieve self-sufficiency in rice by 2025 and become a rice exporting country by 2030. Capital influx and regional cooperation In addition to receiving funding of over 21.44 million US dollars to support rice development projects in West Africa, Cote d'Ivoire, as a core beneficiary country, has received a special loan of 18.6 million US dollars. This funding will be focused on building a sustainable intelligent rice production system, ensuring that rice quality and yield meet local demand by introducing advanced technology and optimizing planting patterns. At the same time, regional cooperation is also strengthening. In May of this year, during the 7th International Agricultural and Animal Resources Exhibition, the Ivory Coast Rice Industry Development Agency and the Guinea Agricultural Planning Agency jointly announced the establishment of a technical cooperation channel for rice cultivation. This cooperation framework will coordinate key infrastructure investments, including water conservancy projects and processing equipment, and promote local rice in the West African regional market. Merchant's entry field For Chinese entrepreneurs, the rice industry in Cote d'Ivoire offers multiple opportunities for cooperation in various fields Intelligent agricultural technology output: The intelligent rice production system project funded by the African Development Bank urgently needs advanced agricultural IoT technology, intelligent irrigation systems, and precision agriculture solutions from China. These fields are precisely where Chinese enterprises have their advantages. Construction of the entire industry chain: From water conservancy facilities, processing equipment to warehousing and logistics, all links of the rice industry chain in Cote d'Ivoire need to be upgraded. Chinese enterprises can participate in the construction of modern rice processing plants, cold chain logistics facilities, and packaging production lines. Cross border supply chain integration: Drawing on the experience of the China Cocoa Africa Centralized Procurement Center, establish a "West African Rice Centralized Procurement Center" to integrate procurement, warehousing, and logistics functions, and directly introduce Ivorian rice into the Chinese market. Technical training and capacity building: Capacity building is listed as a top priority in the rice cooperation framework between Cote d'Ivoire and Guinea. Chinese agricultural vocational education institutions can develop specialized training courses to cultivate local agricultural technical talents.

Mozambique is located in southeastern Africa, with a golden coastline of the Indian Ocean and abundant natural resources. Despite facing insufficient infrastructure and local security challenges, its natural gas, coal, agricultural resource endowment, and location advantages make it a strategic pivot for Chinese enterprises to explore the Southeast African market. Country Overview: Coastal Gateway and Population Dividend Area: 800000 square kilometers (equivalent to Türkiye) Population: 33 million (with an annual growth rate of 2.9% and significant youthfulness) Strategic location: #Adjacent to the Indian Ocean, with a coastline of 2500 kilometers #Linking the Southern African Development Community (SAVC) with maritime hubs in East Asia and the Middle East #Beira Port and Nacala Port provide sea outlets for landlocked countries such as Zimbabwe and Malawi Capital: Maputo Language: Portuguese (official), English and Swahili are commonly used in some regions Currency: Metical (MZN) Political situation: multi-party democracy, committed to counter-terrorism operations in the northern province of Cabo Delgado in recent years, gradually improving the security situation Resource endowment: Energy giants and fertile soil for agriculture (1) Energy Resources: Global Natural Gas Reserves Natural gas in the Ruwuma Basin: with proven reserves exceeding 180 trillion cubic feet (among the top 15 in the world), LNG projects led by Total and ExxonMobil have resumed construction and are expected to become the third largest LNG exporting country in Africa by 2025.   Coal: Tete Province's coking coal reserves rank among the top in the world, and Chinese enterprises participate in railway port intermodal transportation infrastructure. Hydropower: The Cahora Bassa hydropower station is the core of the Southern African power grid, with untapped potential for photovoltaic and wind power. (2) Agriculture and Marine Resources: Underdeveloped Granary Potential of arable land: Mozambique has a large amount of undeveloped arable land (with an actual cultivation rate of less than 20%), mainly producing cashews, sugarcane, cotton, and soybeans.    Fisheries: The annual fishing potential exceeds 500000 tons, and shrimp and tuna are exported to the European Union, with a large gap in processing and supporting facilities.   Infrastructure and Logistics: Bottlenecks and Opportunities Coexist Port: Maputo Port (under deepwater expansion), Nacala Corridor (connecting Malawi), and Beira Port (with Chinese investment participating in modernization). Railway: The north-south trunk line is old, and the Nacala Corridor in the north is the main transportation artery for coal and natural gas. Electricity: The national electricity rate is only 40%, and natural gas power generation projects are accelerating. Analysis of Potential Foreign Trade Opportunities 1. Supporting facilities for the energy industry chain LNG project services: modular factory buildings, pressure vessels, fire-fighting equipment, and a surge in demand for special steel.    Power equipment: supporting facilities for natural gas power plant construction, transmission and transformation systems, household solar products (essential for rural areas).    2. Modern agricultural equipment Medium sized tractors, water-saving irrigation systems, harvesting machinery (in main grain producing areas), cold chain transport vehicles (for perishable fruits and vegetables).    Cashew automatic huller and refined oil equipment (to increase added value for export).   3. Localization of infrastructure and building materials Cement plants, steel structures, and building ceramics (due to the increase in urbanization rate in the capital and the demand for reconstruction in the north).    Port cranes, logistics and warehousing systems (output of experience in Chinese port operations).   4. In the field of upgrading people's livelihood consumption Fast moving consumer goods: low-priced smartphones, daily chemical products, processed foods (unleashing the dividend of young population). Medical equipment: grassroots clinic equipment, vaccine cold chain.