When China Meets Zambia: ‘Once You Are Bitten By Africa, You Will Never Want To Leave’

“Once you are bitten by Africa, you will never want to leave.” These were the words of Frank Fang, a native of China and Zambian business man who moved to Africa, settling first in Botswana, before moving on to Zambia.

There has been an increasing focus on the presence of Chinese immigrants in Africa, and China is currently the continent?s largest trading partner. However, the history of the Chinese in Africa dates as far back as the 9^th century where documents on an early exploration of the continent illustrated a knowledge and understanding of slave trade, ivory trade, and ambergris trade of Bobali, which believed to be what is now Berbera in Somalia, East Africa.

In this China Central Television Africa (CCTV Africa) documentary, Fang narrates his journey to the African continent, shares his personal and professional successes, as well as the highs and lows that come with life in Zambia.

?Living in Africa is not like living in China where everything seems pre-planned?, he said. ?You should get married at a certain age, get apartments, and renovate your house at a certain age. It feels like a pattern of life that everyone should follow. There are young people who like to break the pattern; I belong to this small group of people. So, when I arrived in Africa, I felt this is the place for me!?