Johannesburg to Changsha, and soon Shanghai… African designers are charting a new path into China’s booming fashion market.
At the recent China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, South African designer Thula Sindi transformed the expo hall into a runway for AfricaRise creations. Sindi, whose AfricaRise stores in Johannesburg and Pretoria have become cultural hubs, sees China as the logical next step.
“African businesses need to be in China, the way Chinese businesses are in Africa. It’s time to exchange both ways. And I think that the market is ready,” Sindi said.
He cites Shanghai’s cosmopolitan vibe, streamlined logistics, and its role as a gateway to the wider Chinese mainland market as key factors for his expansion plans.
“We are not competing on price or trendiness; we are competing on quality of design, and uniqueness. We are the slow creature. We make pieces people can really treasure,” he added.
Sindi also notes parallels between South Africa and China: both are developing regions with rich histories redefining modernity. Fashion, he argues, is the perfect medium to express those evolving identities. Bringing AfricaRise to China is more than business—it’s a cultural exchange that celebrates diversity and sustainable design at its finest.
For young entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and global travellers, this move signals fresh opportunities at the intersection of creativity and commerce. As African designers forge stronger ties with China, we could soon see a new wave of collaborative innovation in fashion and beyond.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
