Made in China
China is a better mathematician than Britain. It looks at numbers. When the Queen’s royal navy landed in Africa and other colonies, its main business plan was to sell pots, beds, salt, sugar and other goods, to keep British factories alive.
China is more astute. It has gripped Africa because it understands that blending with local culture is profitable. That is why China not only sells noodles to countries like Nigeria, it manufactures clothes used in traditional weddings and other cultural celebrations, as well.
This has a negative effect on traditional tailors because if the groom has ten best men, a local tailor has money in his pocket for a few months. He also gets referrals for future weddings.
This aso ebi, which consists of a top and pants is now imported from China. It is cheaper, which means low income grooms can afford it, but it puts full time tailors in the red.
The red beads around the bride’s neck and head mostly come from China. This is not only in Nigeria. Elaborate Kenyan and South African necklaces are made in China.
China is such a master in the blending-in, to make a profit game, it realized that yam is the staple food for West Africa. Women boil and pound it with a mortar and pestle. China refined it and sells yam flour locals call ‘Poundo.’ Husbands hate it, wives love it because it's faster, no peeling and pounding.
Britain and other G7 countries might not like China, but they should admit one thing; China is beating them at their own game.
By: Nonqaba waka Msimang.
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