NCBA Bank’s Commercial and SME (CSME) division embarked on a transformative trade and business immersion trip to China from October 12–23, 2025. The delegation of NCBA staff and clients from diverse industries across Kenya and the region explored Shanghai, Yiwu, and Guangzhou, immersing themselves in China’s manufacturing ecosystems, trade links, and global sourcing opportunities. The experience formed part of NCBA’s mission to connect African entrepreneurs to global markets, foster strategic partnerships, and enhance trade capacity within its client base.

The team departed Nairobi aboard Emirates Airlines via Dubai, arriving at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on October 13, 2025.
They were warmly received and transferred to the DoubleTree by Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao. After a long journey, the delegation settled in with a welcome dinner and a briefing session to prepare for the trade immersion ahead.

Shanghai served as a brief stopover, a moment to rest and acclimate to the pace of China’s business environment before moving south to the global trade hub of Yiwu.

On October 14, the team departed Shanghai at midday aboard China’s high-speed bullet train, covering the 260-kilometer journey to Yiwu in just over two hours.
Upon arrival, participants were received at Yiwu Rail Station and transferred by NCBA-assigned buses to Your World International Resort Hotel.

That evening, NCBA hosted a welcome dinner where clients and bank representatives introduced themselves and their business lines.

During the dinner:

• Clients were assisted by China Mobile Telecom staff to activate SIM lines and VPN connectivity for easier communication.
• Robert Kiboti, Director, Commercial and SME Banking, officially welcomed all participants, followed by remarks from Dennis Njau, Group Director, Retail Banking.
• The evening concluded with a celebratory cake-cutting moment, marking both the start of the journey and the birthday of one of the clients, Mercy Jemima Achieng, alongside other October celebrants.

Over the next two days (October 15–16), the delegation explored the Yiwu International Trade Mart, the world’s largest wholesale market, divided into six massive districts.
Clients toured stalls and factories showcasing:

• Electronics & ICT devices
• Textiles, apparel, and accessories
• Household goods and hardware
• Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and health products
• Home décor and interior fittings
• Agricultural tools and electrical appliances

Through NCBA’s coordination and translation support, clients engaged suppliers, sourced products, and identified potential manufacturing partners.

Evenings in Yiwu offered opportunities to experience local culture, including a detour to the city’s night market, where participants sampled authentic Chinese delicacies, from seafood and crustaceans to the more adventurous dishes.

On October 17, the group checked out of their hotel in Yiwu and boarded a 1.5-hour flight to Guangzhou, China’s southern trade capital and home to the world-famous Canton Fair.
Upon arrival, clients were welcomed and assisted with Canton Fair badge registration and sector mapping, based on their industries, including manufacturing, renewables, pharmaceuticals, textiles, agri-equipment, and ICT.

The NCBA delegation attended the 138th Canton Fair (Autumn Edition).
With guidance from sourcing agents and NCBA staff, clients navigated thousands of exhibition stands across categories such as:

• Manufacturing & heavy machinery
• Robotics & construction technology
• Automotive & spare parts
• Renewable energy & solar equipment
• Textiles, apparel, and design
• Agricultural machinery & industrial solutions

Each client group was supported by local guides for translation and logistics to maximize learning and business connection opportunities.

The second day featured a visit to Maihe Cabinet Factory in Dongguan, a pioneer in high-end, eco-friendly, custom furniture design.
Founded in 2009, Maihe has built a reputation for:

• Sustainable production, using ENF-certified eco boards and imported materials.
• Advanced automation, featuring fully automatic production lines and German Homag PUR edge-banding technology.
• Design diversity, producing integrated solid-wood cabinetry across styles like modern, European, and new Chinese.

Clients gained insight into China’s approach to R&D-driven manufacturing and green innovation, lessons vital for Africa’s evolving industries.

In the afternoon, the team toured Guangzhou’s wholesale hubs:

• Dashato & Highin Markets – electronics, phones, laptops, accessories.
• Liuhua Market – high-quality European-style fashion.
• Canaan Market – beauty, cosmetics, and apparel tailored for African markets.

The day concluded with the breathtaking Pearl River Cruise Dinner, a night of networking, cultural exchange, and celebration under Guangzhou’s glittering skyline.

On October 20, participants visited Foshan City, a manufacturing powerhouse famous for furniture, ceramics, and sanitary ware.
The morning was dedicated to furniture showrooms and market tours, followed by an afternoon visit to ceramic and home finishing suppliers, highlighting China’s expertise in design innovation and material technology.

The evening culminated in a spectacular experience at the Chimelong International Circus, one of Asia’s most renowned entertainment shows, a fitting close to a week of exploration and collaboration.

The final days (October 21–22) were left open for clients to conduct private meetings, arrange shipping, or revisit suppliers for follow-ups.
On October 23, the delegation checked out from DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou, marking the successful completion of NCBA’s 2025 China Trade Immersion.