TFIGlobal
TFIGlobal
TFIPOST English
TFIPOST हिन्दी
No Result
View All Result
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean
TFIGlobal
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean
No Result
View All Result
TFIGlobal
TFIGlobal
No Result
View All Result
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean

It’s high time Africa saves its donkeys from China’s clutches

Michael Mahanta by Michael Mahanta
February 10, 2023
in Africa, Geopolitics
donkeys in china
Share on FacebookShare on X

In the lives of Africans, donkeys play an important role. In Ethiopia, there’s a saying that goes, “if you don’t have a donkey, then you are a donkey.” This highlights the significance of these animals in African society and the impact they have on people’s livelihoods.

Despite their immense social and economic value, Africa’s donkeys are currently facing the threat of theft. The thieve is none other than China, and it is imperative that Africa takes action to address this issue.

Also Read

Trump Eyes African Resources in White House Meet with Five West African leaders as China, Russia Expand Influence on the Continent

Europe’s Hardline Migration Policy Hits Libya Hard

Gold and Guns: Why West Africa is Bleeding?

China: rising demand for Africa’s donkeys

In recent years, demand of China for African donkeys has been rapidly increasing and this is due to the use of donkey hides in the production of a traditional Chinese medicinal product called Ejiao. This product is made by extracting collagen from the hides and combining it with herbs and other ingredients.

According to a report, the Chinese market for Ejiao has increased from about US$3.2 billion in 2013 to about US$7.8 billion in 2020. The rising demand for Ejiao in China has caused a shortage of donkeys in China, particularly impacting Africa, which is home to the largest population of donkeys in the world.

(Source: The New York Times)

China requires approximately 5 million donkeys  per year to satisfy its Ejiao demand. Approximately, 2 million of these donkeys are sourced from China’s own donkey population , while the remaining 3 million or more are imported from abroad. These numbers demonstrate that China cannot meet its demand domestically and is restoring to illegal means to fulfill its needs.

It is often difficult to monitor  the illegal trade of donkeys in Africa. Reports indicate that as South African authorities crack down on illegal trade, donkeys from South Africa are now being smuggled into Lesotho. This shift in the illegal trade makes it even more challenging to track and control.

Read More: China is stealing West Africa’s fishes!

Africa must act to control illegal trade

Rural communities throughout Africa rely on  donkeys as a beast of burden. Donkeys provide income for some of the most marginalized households. The trade in donkey skins can adversely impact millions of Africans. To address this issue, countries like Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal have banned the exports of donkeys to China.

(Source: ORF)

Despite  these measures, the desired outcome has not been achieved given the varying levels of regulatory capacity in each country and the ease of smuggling across borders. As donkeys play such a crucial socio-economic role in Africa, the continent cannot be beholden to Chinese demand for them.  As African countries work together to address other regional issues, it is also important for them to address the issue of illegal donkey skin trade and form associations to establish meaningful dialogue with China to resolve this issue which affects millions in Africa.

Read More: China is selling east-Africans as slaves in Myanmar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN5c6BAq3bs

Tags: AfricaBotswanaBURKINA FASODonkeyimportsKenyaLesothoMaliNigersenegalSouth AfricaTanzania
ShareTweetSend
Michael Mahanta

Michael Mahanta

Columnist, TFI Media. Creating art through my articles.

Also Read

"Ukraine’s Drone War Against Russia: Are Kill Points Crossing the Line?

Kill Russian Soldiers, Win Gear: Inside Ukraine’s Controversial “Gamifying War” Drone Program

July 18, 2025
US begins deploying squadrons of fighter jets to Japan, readies for Taiwan clash with China

US begins deploying squadrons of fighter jets to Japan, readies for Taiwan clash with China

July 18, 2025
Russia warns, “Ukraine setting up a chemical disaster near troops to blame Moscow and Putin”

Russia warns, “Ukraine setting up a chemical disaster near troops to blame Moscow and Putin”

July 18, 2025
Laos Joins Russia’s War Logistics in Ukraine, Sparking U.S. and NATO Concern

Axis of Alignment? After North Korea, Laos Send Troops to Support Russia in Ukraine War

July 18, 2025
North Korean Tactics on Ukraine’s Battlefield: Russia’s Reinforcements Against the U.S.

Russia’s Use of North Korean Forces in Ukraine: What the US Must Know?

July 18, 2025
Why is Israel bombing Syria for Druze community?

Who is the Druze community?: Israel Bombing Syria For Them

July 17, 2025
Youtube Twitter Facebook
TFIGlobalTFIGlobal
Right Arm. Round the World. FAST.
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • TFIPOST – English
  • TFIPOST हिन्दी
  • Careers
  • Brand Partnerships
  • Terms of use
  • Privacy Policy

©2025 - TFI MEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean
TFIPOST English
TFIPOST हिन्दी

©2025 - TFI MEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. View our Privacy and Cookie Policy.