Hannah Ryder, founder of Development Reimagined, a consulting firm connecting African businesses to the Chinese market, discusses her journey from Kenya to the UK and China, shaping diplomacy and trade relations.
How did you end up in the world of economics and diplomacy?
I was born in Kenya and lived there until I was 10, and did my secondary schooling and university in the UK. I was introduced to economics and how the world works when I was 16. I wondered what accounted for the differences between Kenya and the UK. That was the main stimulus for my interest in economics and ultimately how a country like Kenya could develop further. I was also drawn to the arts, and over time I’ve brought my creative side to economics.
Where does your interest in China come from?
My first official job post-graduation was working for the Department of Agriculture in the UK, focussing on international agricultural policy. When I worked on climate finance negotiations, China had a strong influence. I saw different projects that were being taken to Chinese stakeholders, and as a development expert, I wanted to understand the country making an impact on global development.
What was the motivation behind Development Reimagined?
After working for various institutions, creating Development Reimagined was the next step. I felt like I was an entrepreneur inside an organisation, bringing innovation through projects like the $100 billion climate finance goal. I’d also just had a baby, and when you go through labour, you gain courage; it’s an empowering experience. I thought if there was any point at which I could pivot to the private sector, this would be it.
Earlier this year, you hosted 22 African fashion designers at Shanghai Fashion Week under your flagship programme, Africa Reimagined…
There’s a real opportunity in China. Shanghai Fashion Week is one of the largest fashion weeks in the world, and there’s a push from their government to increase imports from around the globe.
You’ve dedicated your career to developing African-Chinese relations. How are trade relations between the two regions are shifting?
There’s increased interest in African countries sending products to the Chinese market. The Chinese government has also put in measures to import more products from Africa through preferential schemes and trade policies geared towards lower income, developing countries.
In your opinion, what’s the biggest opportunity for African businesses looking to enter the Chinese market?
The first step is thinking about China as a consumer market. It’s as diverse as London or some of the US markets. Secondly, learn about the Chinese market because there are some specificities.
We want people to imagine a continent that has high-value additions. I try to centre my work around Agenda 2063 – the master plan and strategic framework by former African Union Commission chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, aimed at transforming Africa into a global powerhouse.
A career highlight?
The fashion at Shanghai Fashion Week this year just blew my mind. It’s the feeling of creating something from scratch and seeing the response to the brands and how busy our showroom was. Our fashion show was packed. It made me so proud of our continent and being a part of it.
What does luxury mean to you?
Luxury, for me, is unique self-expression. We can have brands we like that can be relatively expensive or cheap, but luxury is not necessarily about expense.
Which city do you enjoy visiting the most?
I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many different countries, but going home to Nairobi is always the best.
