When mentioning Africa, some think of the vast desert of the Sahara, others recall the majestic Victoria Falls, and some might conjure images of the turmoil and poverty that occasionally flash across the news. Having worked in the African market for over ten years, the company has tasked me (making my second trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo) alongside a colleague new to the continent, to visit local Chinese enterprises deeply engaged in the mining sector in both the DRC and Zambia. Though I have the foundation of past experiences, I still harbor caution toward the unknown, while my colleague is brimming with novelty and apprehension. This journey represents not only our company’s ongoing commitment to deepening its presence along the “Belt and Road” initiative, and expanding overseas communications and intelligent mining business, but also a new expedition to explore the heart of Africa and uncover new opportunities for collaboration. As my feet once again touched this ancient land, I increasingly realized that its allure and dangers, as well as the opportunities and challenges, are far more complex than one can imagine.
Our research work began in Lubumbashi, DRC, extending toward Kolwezi, with company visits and demand connections progressing quickly. However, an unexpected health crisis quietly unfolded. My colleague was the first to show symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, intense headaches, and fever, leading to an emergency visit to a local Chinese medical hospital, where they were diagnosed with positive malaria. Initially, we believed that five days of intravenous treatment would eliminate the illness, but follow-up results pushed us into anxiety again, forcing us to transfer to a hospital with more adequate medical resources, the China-Congo Hospital, for continued treatment. Just as my colleague's condition began to improve and I took over some unfinished work, I was suddenly struck by similar symptoms and unfortunately became infected as well.
For the next twenty days, we took turns battling malaria, completely disrupting our originally tight schedule. In Africa, malaria is dubbed the "unremitting curse." Due to scarce medical resources and a weak prevention system, this disease continues to ravage certain areas. Although the hospital we visited had rudimentary facilities, the medical staff, armed with professional skills and a dedicated attitude, managed to pull us back from the brink of death. This life-and-death struggle gave us an unprecedented understanding of the importance of "health" and strengthened our determination to provide quality services for Chinese enterprises. Only by safeguarding the health and safety of employees can a company firmly take root and achieve long-term development abroad.
If diseases are a torment to the body, then the complex business environment here poses a double test of mental strength and adaptability. On our way to a project site, the local driver we hired, unfamiliar with the route, took a wrong turn down a secluded path. Suddenly, a vehicle without any police markings blocked our way, and five or six locals in plain clothes got out, displaying no law enforcement credentials and lacking formal attire. The driver, panicking, shouted “Ali Baba”—a local term synonymous with thieves and robbers. He quickly turned the car around and sped away, but it was clear they had plotted this beforehand; they used a radio to call for reinforcements, effectively trapping us. After enduring threats with handcuffs, verbal intimidation, and forced extortion, we finally managed to leave after paying a certain amount in "fines." We later learned that such malicious fines targeting Chinese individuals are common in the area, with some criminals specifically aiming to extort employees of Chinese enterprises.
Additionally, there were frequent incidents of “gratification” where customs officials at Lubumbashi Airport subjected Chinese travelers to particularly stringent baggage inspections, subtly implying there should be a “token of appreciation” if things didn’t go their way. To avoid unnecessary trouble, we ultimately decided to enter Zambia through other checkpoints via land. These experiences made it clear to us that conducting business in Africa requires not only ample capital and advanced technology, but also robust psychological resilience and the ability to flexibly cope with complex situations. The reason why Chinese enterprises can firmly establish themselves and grow steadily here is precisely due to their unwavering determination, calm mindset, and wisdom to adapt.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, we successfully completed our research mission. Throughout our visits, the miracles created by Chinese enterprises on the African continent left us both shocked and proud. Some major mining development projects funded by Chinese investments boast significant total investments, with annual production of various mineral resources ranking among the industry's leaders. The speed at which they progress from signing contracts to production and the efficiency of construction have earned admiration from local governments and industry players alike. One enterprise completed a modern smelting and processing plant in just over ten months and later achieved significant capacity growth through self-initiated renovations and expansions, creating a legendary case in the industry.
It's worth noting that more and more Chinese enterprises are introducing intelligent and automated technologies into mining construction in Africa to empower industrial upgrades. Some have established Africa’s first digital mine, achieving automation of key underground processes through remote control systems and conducting safety training using VR platforms, significantly improving labor productivity. Others have deployed fully automated systems, utilizing central control centers for one-click start/stops and real-time monitoring, reducing manual operations and enhancing production continuity and stability. Some have widely applied robotic systems in production lines to minimize human error while improving product consistency and yield rates, while others have built intelligent photovoltaic storage microgrid projects that utilize automated control systems for power generation, effectively managing local power grid fluctuations and providing strong support for the low-carbon operation of mines.
This trip to Africa allowed us to understand the challenges faced by employees of Chinese enterprises working there. They leave their hometowns and families, enduring threats from diseases and navigating a complex environment while diligently fulfilling their roles, silently contributing to the efforts for Chinese enterprises to “go global.” They are brave warriors undeterred by hardship, practitioners of the “Belt and Road” initiative, and a source of pride for the Chinese nation.
Malicious fines, bribery, backward infrastructure, rampant disease... These are the harsh realities of the business environment in Africa. Yet it is within such difficulties that Chinese enterprises have created one miracle after another: some projects have rapidly completed construction and vastly increased capacity, some have set world records for underground drilling, and others have pioneered local green energy initiatives... The harsher the environment, the more advanced technology, reliable services, and strong execution are needed. This is precisely the core advantage of our company.
As a telecommunications company deeply engaged in the "Belt and Road" initiative and serving Chinese enterprises, we feel a profound sense of responsibility. Our mission is not only to provide stable and efficient communication services but also to safeguard the path of development for Chinese companies in Africa: when mine workers can use our network to video call their families from afar and smile with relief, we recognize our value; when mining enterprises use our intelligent systems to enhance production efficiency and reduce safety risks, we gain motivation to move forward; and when Chinese enterprises establish a foothold and grow in Africa, becoming a bridge for China-Africa cooperation, we share in that honor.
Africa, this ancient yet vibrant continent, is undergoing unprecedented transformation and development. China, an Eastern ancient nation upholding the ideals of openness and inclusiveness, is moving forward hand-in-hand with Africa in a spirit of sincerity. The deepening implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative has injected strong momentum into China-Africa cooperation and provided a vast development platform for companies like ours.
Traversing the copper belt, we see not only rich mineral resources but also the indomitable spirit of Chinese enterprises that bravely forge ahead; in our fight against malaria, we experience not just the pain of illness but the resilience of life and the strength of unity; when confronted with malicious demands, we feel not only the unfairness and grievance but also the complex challenges that Chinese enterprises must face when going abroad. All these experiences have transformed into our confidence and determination to move forward.
In the future, we will continue to delve deeper into the African market, continuously improving our service quality to provide more Chinese enterprises with quality communication services and intelligent solutions. We firmly believe that in this age of China-Africa cooperation, on the grand journey of the Belt and Road, our company will surely ride the winds and waves, forge ahead with determination, and work side by side with Chinese enterprises to co-write a new chapter of win-win cooperation between China and Africa!
