NCBA Bank’s Commercial and SME (CSME) division has once again reaffirmed its commitment to connecting African businesses with the world. From October 12–23, 2025, a vibrant delegation of NCBA staff and clients embarked on a transformative trade and business immersion journey across China, from the towering skylines of Shanghai to the bustling wholesale avenues of Yiwu and the innovation corridors of Guangzhou.
The two-week experience, dubbed the NCBA CSME China Business Immersion 2025, was more than a business tour, it was a masterclass in global trade exposure, manufacturing excellence, and entrepreneurial collaboration. The initiative was part of NCBA’s mission to empower African entrepreneurs, open access to international markets, and strengthen trade capacity among its client base.
The team departed Nairobi aboard Emirates Airlines and arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on October 13, where they were received with warm hospitality and transferred to the DoubleTree by Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao. The evening featured a welcome dinner and a preparatory briefing — the calm before an eventful deep dive into China’s industrial and commercial heartbeat.
Inside the World’s Largest Wholesale Market
On October 14, the delegation traveled aboard China’s renowned high-speed bullet train to Yiwu, covering 260 kilometers in just over two hours. Yiwu, globally recognized as the world’s largest small commodities market, offered an unmatched window into international trade dynamics.
Upon arrival, participants checked into the luxurious Your World International Resort Hotel. The evening welcome dinner, graced by NCBA’s leadership, including Robert Kiboti, Director of Commercial and SME Banking, and Dennis Njau, Group Director of Retail Banking, set the tone for the journey ahead.
Clients were assisted by China Mobile Telecom staff to activate local SIM lines and VPN connections — a practical step ensuring smooth communication throughout the trip. The evening concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony celebrating October birthdays, blending business with camaraderie.
Over the next two days, participants immersed themselves in the Yiwu International Trade Mart, an immense complex divided into six trading districts. Here, clients explored exhibitions featuring everything from electronics and textiles to cosmetics, agricultural tools, and interior décor.
With translation and sourcing support coordinated by NCBA, they engaged directly with manufacturers and suppliers, identifying potential partners and sourcing new products for their respective markets back home.
Evenings in Yiwu offered cultural enrichment, from sampling authentic Chinese cuisine at the night market to exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife, blending business learning with cultural appreciation.
Where Global Business Converges
The journey continued south on October 17, when the team flew to Guangzhou, China’s industrial capital and home to the globally acclaimed Canton Fair. The delegation attended the 138th Canton Fair (Autumn Edition), where they interacted with thousands of exhibitors across sectors including manufacturing, automotive, renewables, textiles, and ICT.
With NCBA’s logistical and translation support, clients navigated the immense fairgrounds efficiently, networking with suppliers and identifying sourcing opportunities that aligned with Africa’s growing consumer and industrial needs.
One of the highlights of the Guangzhou leg was a visit to the Maihe Cabinet Factory in Dongguan, a leader in sustainable furniture manufacturing. Founded in 2009, Maihe exemplifies green innovation — producing eco-friendly cabinetry through advanced automation and ENF-certified materials. Clients witnessed firsthand the role of research and development in driving quality and sustainability, insights that hold immense relevance for Africa’s manufacturing ambitions.
In addition, visits to Dashato and Highin Markets, Liuhua Market, and Canaan Market revealed the scale and diversity of China’s export ecosystem — from electronics to fashion and cosmetics tailored for African markets. The day concluded with an unforgettable Pearl River Cruise Dinner, where participants networked under Guangzhou’s glittering skyline, a symbol of progress and partnership.
Building Bridges for the Future
The immersion also included a day in Foshan City, a hub for furniture, ceramics, and home décor innovation. Clients explored showrooms and supplier facilities, gaining insight into material technology and design trends that could inspire Africa’s next generation of manufacturers. The evening ended on a high note with the Chimelong International Circus, a cultural spectacle that encapsulated the vibrancy of China’s creative economy.
The final days were set aside for private business meetings and supplier follow-ups before the delegation departed on October 23, marking the successful conclusion of a journey that blended learning, trade, and inspiration.
Through this initiative, NCBA Bank has demonstrated its forward-looking vision, bridging Africa’s entrepreneurial energy with global trade ecosystems. The China Business Immersion 2025 was not merely about sourcing goods; it was about building bridges, transferring knowledge, and positioning African SMEs to compete on the world stage.
As the participants returned home, they carried with them not only business contacts and contracts but also a renewed sense of purpose, a belief that, with the right partnerships and exposure, African enterprise can thrive in the global economy.
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