A rewarding journey

Huang He (pseudonym) is a 26-year-old businessman. Having freshly returned from his trip to Tanzania during this year's Chinese Lunar New Year with Bobuafrica late January, he did not hesitate to share his impressions with ChinAfrica : "This is my third trip to the continent, but before this year, Africa always seemed to me like a foreign friend. But this time, I shook her hand, took her arms, laughed and talked with her. Africa is beginning to take a concrete form for me."

In addition to traditional tourist experiences, such as safaris and climbing Kilimanjaro Mountain, Huang visited local families and public interest organizations, including Shanga Shangaa, where more than 45 Tanzanian people living with disabilities are employed to make handicrafts like glass beads. With effective training, they learn a skill and can sell these products to increase their income, explained Huang. "In a country like Tanzania, where basic social security is relatively low, I was very surprised to see an organization such as Shanga Shangaa. People with disabilities here can profit from the skills they acquire. It's a real joy for them," Huang said, adding that he also manages a public interest project in China and that there is much to learn from the structure of this Tanzanian organization.

"Africa is much more than beautiful landscapes and wildlife. What sets her apart is her brilliant culture. This is why Bobuafrica encourages responsible travel and hopes that more Chinese can act as cultural ambassadors by communicating in depth with local Africans. This helps us get to know Africa better and vice versa," said Shi. Thus, with the help of Bobuafrica, Chinese tourists may consider organizing their wedding ceremony in Sub-Saharan African countries, going on a study tour, visiting local families or volunteering.

An original product

Shi has set for herself another important goal: to introduce and sell African specialty products via Bobuafrica. "Whenever I show my friends typical African objects like Maasai necklaces, they ask me what are the meaning behind these objects. It gave me the idea that transcultural trade might be a good way to promote African culture among Chinese consumers," she explained. Today, Bobuafrica users can buy African products as varied as the famous South African rooibos, Kenyan soapstone sculptures, Maasai bracelets, Rwandan handicraft necklaces and so on.

"By practicing a kind of fair trade, I also wish to contribute to the development of African crafts and create jobs," she said. Amongst the sales partners of Bobuafrica are many organizations whose mission is to take advantage of traditional practices to help local women improve their financial independence. Basecamp Maasai Brand (BMB) is one of them. Jemimah Sairowua, BMB Project Manager, values her partnership with Bobuafrica, saying: "Bobuafrica helps our Maasai women sell their creations, thus earning them an income which the ladies use to buy food, clothing and build modern housing. I am very grateful to them for having established such a commercial and cultural platform."

As for the future, Shi hopes to take root on African soil, like the baobabs that overcome drought and solitude, to finally realize her African dream.