Hechi's sericulture expert weaves China-Africa bonds

Chen Xiongzhen, a senior agronomist from Huanjiang Maonan autonomous county in Hechi, Guangxi, has traveled to Ethiopia eight times over the past decade to share advanced sericulture techniques, earning her the title "Silkworm Ambassador" for her indispensable role in China-Africa agricultural cooperation.

After passing strict evaluations by both Chinese and Ethiopian authorities, Chen overcame language barriers by studying technical English for a month before transforming farming practices at Ethiopia's Alage College.

She established a full industrial chain – from silkworm egg incubation to silk quilt production – and introduced mechanized processing with donated cocoon-opening machines.

"We represent the team of Chinese experts...I hope to do everything a little better," said Chen, who now provides remote guidance to Ethiopian trainees via WeChat and Telegram.

Her efforts have trained a large number of local farmers and impressed Ethiopian government officials, who broadcast her technical demonstrations nationwide to promote the practice.

Yasin, a teacher at Alage College, emphasized that Chen's background from Guangxi – China's top cocoon-producing province – along with her rich experience and professional expertise in sericulture, makes her work crucial to both the college and Ethiopia as a whole.

Dawit, one of Chen's trainees, noted that Chen frequently visited their farms and offered significant assistance in silkworm production processes. He added that Chen shares his experiences and solves problems for them through WeChat and Telegram, expressing sincere gratitude for her advice and support.

Today, Chen calls Ethiopia her "second hometown". Her story exemplifies how a single mulberry leaf can connect continents, a technology empower industries, and friendship bloom across borders – one of many Belt and Road tales nurturing China-Africa bonds.