**Beijing, September 24 (Xinhua) – Title: Overseas Entrepreneur Fu Wenhung: Honored to Be Part of Africa’s Development Process**
In a recent interview with our reporter, Fu Wenhung, a Tanzanian businessman originally from Zhejiang Yiwu, shared his remarkable journey. “The friends I’ve made here in Africa are incredibly welcoming. It feels like family, which is why I chose to make this place my home,” Fu stated.
At 53, Fu began his adventure in Africa in 2013, arriving alone with the intent of selling shoes made in China. Today, he runs the largest shoe manufacturing company in Tanzania, producing over 30 million pairs of shoes annually and creating more than 1,000 jobs for the local community.
When he first landed in Tanzania, Fu brought along several popular shoe styles from China to test the market. However, he quickly encountered challenges, particularly due to language barriers that complicated his initial business efforts. “I felt so discouraged back then, thinking I was in deep trouble,” he recalled. Yet, determined to succeed, Fu refused to give up, even after facing numerous setbacks. It was through two hours of gesturing and communicating with a local shop owner named Kaiweilu that he finally secured his first order.
Fu highlighted the crucial support he received from Kaiweilu, who introduced him to other merchants at the bustling Kariakoo market. Thanks to the positive reception of his innovative and durable shoe designs, the market soon opened up for him. Kaiweilu’s store also saw a significant increase in sales, much to the benefit of both parties.
In 2016, Fu made the decision to establish a shoe factory in Dar es Salaam. After months of planning, he rented a facility in the suburbs, hired local employees, and began crafting his own shoe designs. “These shoes are not just sold in Tanzania anymore; we’re also exporting to Zimbabwe, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi,” he shared.
By 2019, Fu expanded his operations with a second factory in Uganda’s Liaosheng Industrial Park. By 2021, his operations in Tanzania were flourishing, with over 1,600 employees across both factories producing more than 50 million pairs of shoes each year.
Earlier this year, Fu took a trip to Morocco, where he decided to replicate his successful business model from Tanzania and Uganda by opening another shoe factory. He mentioned that the factory is currently in its trial operation phase, with aspirations to penetrate both North African and European markets.
After spending 11 years living and working in Tanzania, Fu has witnessed significant transformations in the region. “The roads in Dar es Salaam have widened, flyovers are being constructed, and work is underway on highways leading to the capital,” he noted.
As his business grew, Fu also became deeply involved in local charitable efforts. Since 2020, he has been visiting a local orphanage monthly, delivering supplies for the children. “I support these kids to honor my son’s wish,” he said, his voice tinged with emotion.
Tragically, Fu’s son, Fu Nannan, was accidentally shot while trying to intervene in a fight in June 2022. His son played a key role in managing Fu’s business, and this loss has profoundly impacted him. He recalled how Nannan frequently visited the orphanage and wished to do more for the children there.
Working alongside local government officials, Fu is planning to enhance the orphanage by constructing a small two-story building to improve living and learning conditions for over 200 children.
Fu views Africa as a land rich with investment opportunities. He expressed his ambitions for cross-industry investments, stating, “I hope to see African countries develop more rapidly so that the people here can enjoy better lives. I feel truly honored to be part of Africa’s development process and am committed to contributing my share.”
