Edwin Mwenda stands in his office in the Science & Technology Building of Beijing's Haidian District.
Edwin Mwenda isn't traveling like other students during the summer vacation that is almost over. He has been in his office with his partners, working on their startup project.
In 2016, Mwenda came to China from Kenya to get his master's degree at Tsinghua University. Now 30 years old, he is a PhD candidate at another renowned university in Beijing.
His office is in Haidian District, near to all the main universities, but also a high-tech hub. "My plan is to deliver an integrated bundle of Chinese agricultural techniques, and bring the localized solutions back to Kenya and other African countries," said Mwenda with determination.
The plan? A sustainable farmhouse for living, planting and cultivating. Solar energy powers the water supply. It has a mechanized greenhouse and a smart control system.
"Agricultural infrastructure in Kenya still lags behind. But it has great potential. By 2025, we hope that those living in the most extreme poverty will see a better life," Mwenda said.
Edwin Mwenda introduces African art in his office in Beijing.
Much of Kenya is dry and there are frequent droughts, getting crops to grow here can be difficult. Then, the unstable food import system combined with the low profits on agricultural products mean that living standards are low. As he explains this, Mwenda's fingers circle a map of Kenya.
Mwenda plans to build a prototype in Kenya, and then expands the project across the country, even the continent, after testing.
"China has a long history, but also decades of experience in how to develop in the modern world," Mwenda said, "I'm eager to know how that works and what Africa can learn from China."
Edwin Mwenda explains his project in his office in Beijing.
Starting a business in a foreign country is full of challenges, especially when trying to communicate with local people. Nelly Njoroge, one of Mwenda's partners, sometimes acts as his interpreter. Njoroge said that Mwenda is highly-motivated and a good leader, Kenya needs more people like him.
Mwenda said his study and work experience in China give him a unique perspective of the world. He is now looking to draw more investors and partners to the program, and promote inter-governmental cooperation and investment.
Edwin Mwenda exchanges ideas with other startups.
Mwenda's project is not the only one where big ideas are taking shape. In their building alone there are incubators for 19 other startups from Ghana, Zimbabwe and other Belt and Road countries. (Photos by Luo Xiaoguang)
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