It seems impossible for stationery to go abroad to Africa.
In most people's minds, playing and frolicking in groups in villages seems to be the norm for African children. Stationery is quite out of place in this scene, but in fact, the market space for stationery in Africa is not only large, but has also been targeted by Chinese stationery companies early on.
On the one hand, Africa has a population size similar to China, and a larger proportion of young people and children. Many countries have fertility rates above 5, which is unmatched by most countries in the world.
On the other hand, many African countries now attach great importance to education, including Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa and other countries that have introduced education related policies in recent years. Even Zimbabwe, which has long been regarded as a typical backward country, has basically implemented free compulsory education in primary and secondary schools, and most schools are equipped with medical rooms.
In 2016, China relaxed its two child policy, which did not reflect the consequences of low birth rates in the current number of primary and secondary school students. Instead, there was an increase in the number of students in school, and many primary schools were competing for school places. But all parties have a clear judgment that the enrollment of primary school students will be a huge problem in a few years - the wave of kindergarten closures is already a precursor.
In this context, the market prospects for Chinese stationery in the domestic market are not optimistic, and it is necessary to seek a larger market.
From various indicators, Africa can be considered a valuable blue ocean market.
Previously, a blogger visited stationery stores in Africa and found that the prices of many stationery items were several times higher than those in China. One of the key reasons is that there is a huge wealth gap in Africa, and the wealthy mostly attend private schools, making them the main users of stationery. It can even be said that the high prices of stationery and books in the local area are not actually intended for the poor.
Valuing education means a large market, high prices mean high profits, and the chances of Chinese stationery going abroad to Africa are extremely high. Moreover, while Chinese stationery companies gain economic benefits, they also make local stationery product prices more reasonable, helping poor children in Africa to reduce costs of education. This can be considered a great good deed.