"I wanted to launch an import business from China. A middleman offered to handle everything. I said yes. I should have done my research first."
The beginning: a good idea, the wrong path
When I decided to get into Africa–China trade, I had a clear idea: find suppliers on Alibaba, import products, resell. The classic setup.
What I didn't know was how to structure all this legally. How do you pay a supplier in China from Africa? What legal status should you have? Which bank accepts this type of transaction?
I searched online. I came across people presenting themselves as "experts in UK company creation for Africans." They offered a complete package: UK Ltd + bank account + "strategic advice."
The mistake: €1,200 for nothing
I paid €1,200. In exchange, I was promised:
✓ A UK Ltd created in 48h
✓ A business bank account opened
✓ Personalised guidance
What I actually received: a UK Ltd (that part was true) and a list of banks to contact myself. The "guidance" was 3 WhatsApp messages and a generic PDF.
What I paid vs what it really costs
Why I'm sharing this
I'm not angry. Well, a little — but that's not the main reason.
The reason is that I know dozens of African entrepreneurs who went through the same thing. Serious people, who just wanted to launch something honest, and who started by losing money because of a lack of information.
The information exists. It's accessible. The problem is that it's buried in English content, scattered across forums, and middlemen do everything to keep it opaque.
What I wish I had found
A simple page, in plain language, that explains:
→ How to create a UK Ltd from Africa, without a middleman
→ Which account to use to pay suppliers in CNY
→ How to manage personal finances and transfers to Africa
DirectChine is that page. I share exactly the tools I use, with direct links to the official platforms.
What's next
I operate today through my UK Ltd, created in the United Kingdom. I use WorldFirst for my supplier payments in CNY and Moneco for my personal finances and transfers to Africa.
This page is just the beginning. I intend to add articles, practical guides and maybe videos to document everything I learn in Africa–China trade.
If you have questions, find me on Facebook: DirectChine.