Mmaletebele Research Institute
Certificate in Doing Business with China for African Entrepreneurs

Certificate in Doing Business with China for African Entrepreneurs

R 3700.0030 in stock
1

Certificate in Doing Business with China for African Entrepreneurs

Duration: 12 Weeks (3 Months)
Delivery Mode: 100% Online Learning + 1 In-Person/Virtual Masterclass Workshop
Assessment:

  • 5 Module Quizzes

  • 1 Live Masterclass Workshop

  • 1-Hour Online Final Examination

  • Certificate of Completion

Programme Overview

China remains Africa's largest trading partner, with thousands of African entrepreneurs importing products, sourcing manufacturers, and building private-label brands through Chinese suppliers. However, many businesses lose significant amounts of money due to supplier fraud, poor-quality products, hidden shipping costs, incorrect import documentation, customs delays, and a lack of understanding of international trade.

This Short Learning Programme has been developed to equip African entrepreneurs, SMEs, procurement professionals, importers, retailers, wholesalers, and business owners with the practical knowledge and skills required to confidently source products from China, negotiate with manufacturers, manage logistics, minimise business risks, and successfully import goods into African markets.

The programme combines academic learning with practical case studies and real-world examples to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of international sourcing and China–Africa trade.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:

  • Understand China's manufacturing and export ecosystem.

  • Identify and verify legitimate Chinese manufacturers and suppliers.

  • Source products safely using international sourcing platforms.

  • Negotiate prices, payment terms and manufacturing contracts.

  • Protect themselves against supplier fraud and scams.

  • Understand shipping methods, Incoterms and freight options.

  • Calculate import duties, VAT, customs charges and landed costs.

  • Manage product quality through inspection processes.

  • Arrange cargo insurance and manage import risks.

  • Develop a sustainable sourcing strategy for long-term business growth.

Programme Structure

Module 1 (Weeks 1–2)

Understanding China–Africa Trade

Topics include:

  • China's manufacturing economy

  • China's major industrial regions

  • China–Africa trade opportunities

  • Business models (OEM, ODM, Private Label, Wholesale)

  • Understanding Chinese business culture

  • International trade terminology

Assessment

  • Module Quiz 1

Module 2 (Weeks 3–4)

Finding and Evaluating Chinese Suppliers

Topics include:

  • Using Alibaba, Made-in-China, Global Sources and 1688

  • Factory vs Trading Company

  • Supplier verification

  • Due diligence

  • Product sourcing strategies

  • Requesting quotations (RFQs)

  • Negotiation techniques

Assessment

  • Module Quiz 2

Module 3 (Weeks 5–6)

Manufacturing, Quality Control and Fraud Prevention

Topics include:

  • Manufacturing processes

  • Product sampling

  • Quality assurance

  • Factory inspections

  • Trade contracts

  • Intellectual Property protection

  • Payment methods

  • Preventing supplier fraud

  • Cargo insurance

Assessment

  • Module Quiz 3

Masterclass Workshop (Week 7)

Practical Importing from China

A practical workshop facilitated by experienced industry practitioners covering:

  • Live supplier sourcing demonstration

  • Product costing exercise

  • Negotiation simulation

  • Shipping calculations

  • Customs documentation

  • Import case studies

  • Common mistakes entrepreneurs make

  • Question-and-answer session

Participants will complete practical exercises based on real import scenarios.

Module 4 (Weeks 8–9)

Shipping, Customs and Import Compliance

Topics include:

  • Air freight

  • Sea freight

  • Courier services

  • Freight forwarding

  • Incoterms

  • Customs documentation

  • Import permits

  • Tariffs

  • VAT

  • HS Codes

  • Customs clearing

Assessment

  • Module Quiz 4

Module 5 (Weeks 10–11)

Building a Sustainable Import Business

Topics include:

  • Pricing imported products

  • Building supplier relationships

  • Scaling your business

  • Private labelling

  • Inventory management

  • Import financing

  • Risk management

  • Future trends in China–Africa trade

Assessment

  • Module Quiz 5

Week 12

Final Revision

Participants prepare for the final examination through guided revision activities.

Final Online Examination

  • Duration: 1 Hour

  • Conducted online

  • Multiple-choice questions

  • Short-answer questions

  • Scenario-based business cases

Participants must achieve the minimum pass mark prescribed by the programme to successfully complete the course.

Certification

Participants who:

  • Complete all five module quizzes;

  • Attend the Masterclass Workshop;

  • Sit for the one-hour online examination; and

  • Meet the programme's assessment requirements,

will be awarded a:

Certificate of Completion

Certificate in Doing Business with China for African Entrepreneurs

issued by the Mmaletebele Research Institute (MRI).

Target Audience

This programme is suitable for:

  • Entrepreneurs

  • Small Business Owners

  • Importers

  • Retailers

  • Wholesalers

  • E-commerce Sellers

  • Procurement Officers

  • Supply Chain Professionals

  • Manufacturing Businesses

  • Start-ups

  • Cooperatives

  • Youth Entrepreneurs

  • Women-owned Businesses

  • Government Procurement Officials

  • Anyone interested in importing goods from China

Programme Features

  • Duration: 12 Weeks

  • Delivery: 100% Online

  • Five Interactive Learning Modules

  • Five Online Quizzes

  • Industry-Led Masterclass Workshop

  • One-Hour Online Final Examination

  • Downloadable Learning Materials

  • Practical Case Studies

  • Real Supplier Verification Exercises

  • Certificate of Completion