Success breeds success
Graaf was among more than 20 young entrepreneurs from 12 countries, including Djibouti, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Kenya, who joined the learning tour that was part of the African Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program (C-STAR) funded by China Merchants Foundation, and established by the State-owned China Merchants Group.
The C-STAR program aims to empower young people from Africa and around the world through innovation and entrepreneurship by leveraging China's industrial incubation and venture capital resources. This enables them to work together to promote the high-quality co-construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, according to the Hong Kong-based merchants group.
In September, the nonprofit program was included in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Action Plan (2025-27).
The program has been held for two years as part of efforts to carry out the Belt and Road Initiative, said Li Yao, deputy general manager of the overseas development division of China Merchants Shekou Industrial Zone Holdings, the CMG's urban development operation in Shenzhen.
By participating in the program, young entrepreneurs have not only gained in-depth knowledge about China's advanced technologies and experience, but also accumulated valuable resources and networks.
"They have actively engaged with potential investors, partners, and suppliers seeking opportunities to localize China's successful models," Li said.
"These entrepreneurs understand that the African market presents unique development opportunities and challenges, requiring a deep understanding of local needs, culture, and business models. They hope to learn from China's success, and explore innovative paths that suit the local market," he added.
To date, more than 500 young people from Africa have joined the program and received leadership and entrepreneurship training in Djibouti. Candidates who performed strongly were then chosen to visit well-known enterprises and higher learning institutions in China to exchange ideas and explore business opportunities.
"In the global wave of innovation and entrepreneurship, African youth are demonstrating unprecedented enthusiasm and vitality, and they seek self-fulfillment and social change through entrepreneurship," Li noted.
"Despite challenges such as limited experience, scarce resources, and an underdeveloped support system, their entrepreneurial spirit and determination are commendable and deserve support," he added.
The educational backgrounds of the participants are diverse. Some were educated at community schools in Djibouti, a few pursued further studies in China, while others are graduates of top universities like Harvard University in the United States, and Cambridge University in the United Kingdom.
"Their entrepreneurial journeys also vary. Some are refining their first business plans with the help of the C-STAR program, while others are seasoned serial entrepreneurs who have built unicorn companies in Africa," Li said.
He admires the courage of some of the young entrepreneurs who left high-paying positions at Wall Street investment banks or internet giants to follow their business dreams. Others have embarked on their entrepreneurial path by chance, whether it was due to a family matter, the challenges of motherhood, or witnessing the hardships of visually impaired people in their communities.
"These experiences fueled their determination and drove them to change the status quo," he added.
