Student from Benin turns entrepreneur in Huzhou

Wale, 29, from the African country of Benin, is a graduate student at Huzhou University, East China's Zhejiang province. Since early last year, Wale has become a daigou, who shops overseas on behalf of clients and takes a commission, to bring more Chinese products such as smartphones, computers, household appliances, clothes and shoes to his hometown.

With low prices and high quality, Chinese goods are popular among Benin locals. Wale also holds livestreaming sessions to increase direct communication with buyers.

Wale speaks Chinese fluently and also understands Huzhou dialect, which helps him bargain with sellers for the lowest price. Wale has extended his business to many platforms, including Facebook, WeChat, and Taobao.

However, daigou is just the first step for Wale. With Africa a crucial part of the Belt and Road Initiative, Wale hopes that more products, such as gold and hazelnuts, from the continent could be sold in China.