My China Experience
Though I lived in Asia for over six years, I never made it to mainland China—until August 2023. That first trip came courtesy of the China Merchants Group C STAR program, which selected me as a key business delegate.
Despite running a business reliant on Chinese suppliers for three years, I had not visited them in person. Instead, they had come to us—twice—in our Lagos office. So during that inaugural trip, I carved out time to meet them face-to-face, dining with their executive team. It was a pivotal moment: putting names to faces, solidifying trust, and reaffirming my conviction that Dukka would reshape Africa’s commerce landscape. China’s relentless innovation—though different in execution—mirrored the ambition we’re chasing.
I left knowing I’d return soon. Why?
To explore China at my own pace, absorbing the rhythm of daily life.
To draw inspiration from China’s trailblazing companies and entrepreneurs.
To deepen relationships with suppliers through in-person strategy sessions.
To scout new supplier options and untapped business opportunities.
Trip Two: A Brother, No Guides, and Strategic Wins
When a family event took me to Sydney in early 2025, I seized the chance to revisit China—this time with my brother in tow. For him, it was a revelation. “How have I lived in Sydney for 10+ years and never considered China as a destination?” he marvelled.
Armed with lessons from my first trip, we navigated independently:
Flights & trains: Booked via Trip.com and Railway 12306.
Payments: Powered by Alipay.
Navigation: Amap and WeChat (ever indispensable).
Accor Plus: Hotel bookings
In five packed days, we met suppliers and partners across Shanghai, Xuzhou, and Beijing. The outcomes surpassed expectations. Every discussion felt pre-aligned—as if they’d reviewed our agenda beforehand. They proactively addressed our needs, often offering more than we’d planned to ask. It underscored a truth: No virtual meeting can replace the nuance of in-person connection. Body language, unspoken cues, and shared meals forge bonds that Zoom simply cannot replicate.
Hospitality as a Business Superpower
What struck me most? The meticulous hospitality. Every partner greeted us at airports or train stations. Meals—breakfast, lunch, or dinner—were arranged seamlessly. Nothing was left to chance; meetings were thorough, agendas crisp. And the parting gifts! We had arrived with carry-ons but left with checked luggage, stuffed with samples and thoughtful tokens. It is a lesson on doing business better I’ll carry forward: People forget words but remember how you made them feel. Business thrives when it’s humanised.
A highlight was reconnecting with Roselake Ventures—the only Chinese VC firm investing in African startups and an early Dukka backer. In Beijing, I shared coffee with Jerry Yang, a Roselake General Partner, who facilitated invaluable introductions.
A Free Day in Beijing: Great Wall Redux
“不到长城非好汉” (bù dào Chángchéng fēi hǎohàn)
Literal translation: He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true hero.
My first visit included a rushed summer trip to the Mutianyu Great Wall—just enough time for cable-car and photos on the Great Wall. This time, Beijing greeted us with subzero winds as it was the end of Winter and beginning of Spring. Determined to truly experience it, we climbed all the way to the 8th watchtower from the North entrance, a landmark feat offering sweeping views of the wall snaking through frost-kissed mountains. The physical challenge—and the awe of standing atop centuries of history—was worth every step.
Later, we thawed out with a quieter but equally profound stop: Prince Kung’s Mansion Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Beijing’s best-preserved Qing Dynasty estates. Wandering its ornate courtyards and gardens, we marveled at the juxtaposition of China’s imperial past and its hyper-modern present—a reminder that innovation thrives best when rooted in reverence for legacy.
But Beijing’s soul, we discovered, lives in its streets. We spent hours exploring the Second Ring Road area, diving into its labyrinth of alleyways (hutongs) in electric bicycles, where sizzling skewers of lamb yangrou chuan competed with the aroma of steaming dumplings. My brother, ever the adventurous eater, tried jianbing (savory crepes) from a street cart. We also indulged in crispy Peking duck at a tucked-away restaurant. The energy was electric: grandmothers haggling over persimmons, group of friends slurping noodles on plastic stools, and the hum of Mandarin blending with clattering woks. It was a masterclass in how tradition and modernity don’t just coexist here—they fuel each other.
The Takeaway
These trips did not just strengthen supply chains—they fortified my resolve. Seeing China’s dynamism up close, building trust through shared meals, and witnessing their long-term partnership mindset has left me more convinced than ever about Dukka’s path.
None of this would’ve happened without C STAR’s first invitation.
To the C-Star team and everyone who’s championed Dukka till date: Thank you.
To fellow entrepreneurs: Go. Meet your partners. Sit across the table. The dividends are immeasurable.
Love the lesson at the end for starting Entrepreneurs 🙂🙂🙂🙂❤️