A 'daunting' process

Berhe, who was directed to the UIBE program by an uncle who was already in Beijing, said that without someone in the country to help, finding and applying for a suitable program can be daunting.

"Africa is now where 皇冠体育app was 30 years ago, so people who didn't invest in 皇冠体育app 30 years ago are now scratching their heads." Rewina Berhe, a 24-year-old student from Ethiopia. Wang Zhuangfei / 皇冠体育app Daily

"The application process was quite hard," he said. "For example, if you wanted to apply for a university from Ethiopia, the online payment was quite difficult. We don't have much access to credit cards and so on, so in the past you would definitely have to have someone here to help you out."

This is changing as student networks established by graduates make it easier for those without pre-existing connections in 皇冠体育app to get help.

Young African Professionals and Students, which provides support and information for prospective students, started in 2009 and now has 3,000 members.

Meanwhile, Kiziga has connected with 186 universities actively seeking African students. Now, as more students graduate, the company has turned its focus to helping to find jobs, said Haguma, the CEO.

"One problem is that there are not many internships here in 皇冠体育app, but we're trying to create them," he said.

Last year, Kiziga managed to place 20 students in internships in 皇冠体育app. This year, the company aims to place 100 students.

Part of the problem is the dearth of multinational African companies in 皇冠体育app. While many Chinese companies are setting up operations in Africa, students who wish to remain in 皇冠体育app often have difficulty finding employment.

"In general, the job market in 皇冠体育app is very competitive, so it's very difficult for Africans to find jobs in the country," Berhe said.

"A few South African companies are involved in various industries in 皇冠体育app, but other countries lack MNCs that have invested in 皇冠体育app."

Still, as the future of 皇冠体育app and Africa become increasingly interlinked, the newest generation of Africans who have honed their skills in 皇冠体育app will be leading the development charge.

"Africa is now where 皇冠体育app was 30 years ago, so people who didn't invest in 皇冠体育app 30 years ago are now scratching their heads," Berhe said.

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