Connecting China and Africa Through Work, Study, Cross-Cultural Exchange, and International Trade

My journey in China began in 2017, driven by a strong academic interest in international economics and trade, as well as in finance. I came to pursue my bachelor's and master's degrees in these fields at Central South University, one of the most renowned universities in Changsha City, Hunan Province, which is recognized globally. The study process provided me with a solid foundation in global commerce, cross-border transactions, and international market dynamics, as well as a platform to learn Chinese in my first year and deepen my understanding of Chinese culture.

China, as one of the world's largest trading nations, has always been a place where I wanted to acquire both academic knowledge and practical experience. Therefore, I joined C-Kingdom Cable Technology Company in 2025 as an International Sales Manager under the International Business Division, which has been a truly fulfilling experience. I had always aspired to work in a large manufacturing company, and this role allowed me to enter precisely that environment. My excitement comes not only from pursuing a career in a field I am passionate about but also from contributing to the company's internationalization efforts under China's "Going Global" strategy. Working here has given me the unique opportunity to bridge markets, promote trade between China and African countries, and support economic growth in my home country, Zambia, and across the African continent. Every day, I feel motivated knowing that my work is creating tangible connections between businesses across continents.

Looking back, that decision to come to China in 2017 marked a turning point in my life. At the time, I was guided mainly by curiosity and ambition, but over the years, the experience gradually shaped my worldview, values, and sense of responsibility. As an International Sales Manager, I am responsible for driving the sales of the company's products across the African market, ensuring they reach the right customers efficiently and effectively.

I actively participate in overseas exhibitions, where I gather valuable customer insights and analyze import and export data within the wire and cable industry across different economies. These insights help the company make informed strategic business decisions. Additionally, I focus on developing new customers, expanding sales channels across Africa, cultivating strong business relationships, and negotiating with key international clients, among other critical responsibilities.

Carrying these responsibilities has also been a learning process for me. Each interaction with clients, partners, and colleagues reinforces the importance of patience, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability in international business. I have come to understand that successful trade is not only about products and contracts, but also about trust, communication, and long-term relationships. Since I joined the company, I have actively contributed to its internationalization strategy by taking the initiative to promote our products to a global audience on social media, creating engaging posters and videos. This effort helps increase the company's brand awareness, strengthening our presence in existing markets and facilitating the introduction of new products, entry into new markets, and the formation of strategic partnerships.

Before joining the company, I served as Head of the International Students Academic Department at Central South University for two consecutive academic years, 2023–2024 and 2024–2025. In addition, I worked as a member of Peer Support Team for over seven years, from late 2017 to June 2025. These roles provided me with extensive opportunities to volunteer, supporting international students. My responsibilities included helping new students adapt to life in China by offering guidance and timely assistance. I welcomed incoming students, organized orientation documents and meetings, listened to their challenges, and provided practical suggestions and solutions. Furthermore, I conducted regular night checks in accordance with the Peer Support Team schedule, ensuring the well-being of students residing on the floors under my responsibility through face-to-face interactions. I also maintained ongoing communication with students to understand their social challenges and offered appropriate advice and referrals to professional counselors when necessary. Through these efforts, I successfully assisted more than 500 international students. These years of service taught me empathy and accountability in ways no classroom could. Listening to students' concerns, supporting them during difficult moments, and seeing them gradually adapt and succeed gave me a deep sense of fulfillment. It also strengthened my belief that leadership begins with service and genuine care for others.

During the years mentioned above, the experience that left the most lasting impression on me was witnessing how my university and the Chinese government managed the COVID-19 pandemic. As an international student who chose to remain in China during this challenging period, I had strong confidence that the situation would be handled effectively, and it was. Throughout the pandemic, I worked morning, afternoon, and night in accordance with the university's instructions, disseminating official notices from teachers, and distributing breakfast, lunch, dinner, and other essential supplies to students on all floors of the building. While performing these duties, I strictly adhered to safety protocols, including wearing protective clothing and masks. By closely following government guidelines, the university ensured the safety and well-being of all students. This greatly reassured my family, knowing that we were in safe hands, as China provided clear healthcare guidance to prevent the spread of the pandemic and established active online healthcare hotlines for emergencies. From this experience, I gained invaluable lessons and a deep appreciation for China's resilience. My key takeaway is that achieving common goals in times of crisis requires strong cooperation among citizens, institutions, and the entire nation; being part of a system that prioritized safety, transparency, and cooperation made me reflect deeply on the role individuals play within society during times of uncertainty. It was an experience that reinforced my respect for discipline, coordination, and shared purpose.

Meanwhile, I am passionate about academics, so working in the Academic Department allowed me to work closely with outstanding undergraduate, master's, and PhD students who had also passed the school's evaluations to be part of the department. Together, we organized academic-related activities and promoted good study habits and skills, an experience that significantly enhanced my leadership, organizational, and intercultural communication skills. I successfully organized and supervised over 30 academic seminars, both online and offline. Since the audience was usually a mix of students from different departments, we encouraged broad participation in general topics relevant to all students, while also specifically inviting students from certain departments when the topics were directly related to their disciplines. I regularly invited conference facilitators from different fields and institutions to meet students' needs and requests, as identified through surveys and feedback on challenging academic areas.

I highly value my studies and consistently give them my full commitment. As a result, I obtained several academic achievements and recognitions, including Best Graduating Student, among others, as well as awards and certificates acknowledging my dedication to voluntary service, such as "Outstanding International Peer Support Team Member," Honorary Certificate of Learning the Spirit of Lei Feng, Shouldering the Great Task of Revival and Being a New Person of the Times, and International Student Recruitment Ambassador, etc.. Balancing academic excellence with leadership and volunteer responsibilities required discipline and consistency. While the recognitions I received were encouraging, what mattered most to me was the growth process behind them. These experiences strengthened my confidence and reinforced my belief in lifelong learning as a foundation for both personal development and social contribution.

I also had a keen interest in participating in social practices and national-level and provincial academic competitions in finance, international trade, investments, economics, and business negotiations. In terms of social practices, I taught in rural schools during university social activity trips, visited cultural sites and museums to learn about Chinese history and expand my cultural knowledge, and engaged in voluntary work in agricultural fields, gaining a profound understanding of the importance of Chinese culture and rural revitalization. Participating in competitions allowed me to apply academic theory to practical skills, and I was awarded various first-, second-, and third-place prizes in competitions organized by universities, organizations, and the Ministry of Education across China. I believe that continuously learning and improving oneself is not only essential for personal growth but also enables one to contribute meaningfully to the environment and community they are part of. By using our skills and knowledge to benefit others, we fulfill a shared social responsibility that promotes collective growth, innovation, and harmony.

Now, my transition from studying to working for a large manufacturing company in China, C-Kingdom Cable Technology Company, began with my interest in voluntary work. As is well known, Changsha hosts the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), and I have attended every edition since its inception. My school trusted me enough to permit me to participate, and I received significant support from my teachers, particularly from the School of International Education and the School of Business, after I presented an invitation from C-Kingdom Cable Technology Company to volunteer at their booth during the fourth edition of the expo. This was a unique experience, as I had previously represented my country at the Zambian booth in earlier editions whenever the expo organizers requested it. I accepted the opportunity to volunteer for the company, and before the expo, I completed their training sessions to learn about the company and its products. During the event, I welcomed visitors from all over the world, introduced them to the company's products, distributed brochures and business cards, and explored opportunities for future cooperation. Most visitors were open and eager to engage in conversation, creating a friendly and productive environment for meaningful discussions.

Standing at the intersection of learning, volunteer service, and real-world engagement, I began to see how preparation and opportunity can align. The expo environment allowed me to apply what I had learned over the years in a practical setting, while also reflecting on how far my journey in China had brought me. Towards the final days of the expo, I also had the opportunity to attend the China–Zambia Investment Meeting, where I represented the company. As a Zambian, this experience was particularly meaningful to me, since the other party involved was my home country. I clearly observed how beneficial and important the meeting was for both China and Zambia. Because I understand Mandarin Chinese, I was able to assist with translation between Chinese and English, facilitating smoother communication between Zambian government officials and the Chinese investors in attendance.

C-Kingdom Cable Technology Company has a copper sector among other business areas. Since Zambia is one of the world's leading copper producers, the meeting provided a great opportunity to strengthen and expand business relations in this sector. Zambia is also among the earliest African countries to establish bilateral relations with China, and I witnessed firsthand how government officials from my country expressed strong readiness to support Chinese investments across sectors, including mining, tourism, agriculture, and energy. Through my involvement, I observed how such events boost international brand exposure, foster client engagement and trust, open business opportunities, help understand global market needs, identify partners, and project a professional, globally oriented image, laying a strong foundation for long-term cooperation. After I graduated, I officially received a job offer from the company, marking the beginning of my professional career after completing and satisfying all the required procedures for international personnel working in China.

As I reflect on this journey, I recognize that each phase built naturally upon the previous one. The challenges I faced, the responsibilities I accepted, and the relationships I formed collectively shaped my professional identity and clarified my long-term aspirations. Looking ahead, I am focused on developing my career in international business and sales while contributing meaningfully to global trade between China and Africa. I aim to leverage my experience to identify emerging market opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and introduce innovative approaches to cross-border commerce. Beyond professional growth, I am passionate about using my skills to facilitate knowledge exchange, promote sustainable business practices, and strengthen economic ties between nations. I also aspire to mentor and inspire others entering the field, particularly young professionals from Africa, helping them navigate the challenges of international trade while fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. By combining dedication, cross-cultural insight, and strategic thinking, I am confident in my ability to make a lasting impact in my field.

Source: International Talent Magazine