In the bustling free trade zone of Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area, Shamiso Fungura, a 28-year-old entrepreneur from Zimbabwe, is living her childhood dream. As the chief financial officer of Koki Delivery, a logistics and e-commerce startup she co-founded with her partner Rumbidzo Herbet Marembo, she is working to bridge China and Africa through technology and trade.
The seeds of this venture were planted early on in her life. "I always wanted to be a business owner," Fungura recalls. Growing up in Zimbabwe, she was fascinated by China's rapid development by watching China Central Television.
"I long felt there was an opportunity to benefit, especially in business, in a country such as China, because it is a global powerhouse when it comes to business, especially in product manufacturing and technology," she says.
Her journey to China began in 2017, starting with Chinese language studies. She went on to complete a bachelor's degree in international trade and economics at Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance, followed by a master's in finance at Shanghai University, and graduating in 2024.
Shamiso Fungura, a young entrepreneur from Zimbabwe, co-founded Koki Delivery, a logistics and e-commerce startup, with her partner Rumbidzo Herbet Marembo, to bridge China and Africa through technology and trade. [Photo by LI YONGLE/CHINA DAILY]
The idea for Koki Delivery emerged in mid-2022, born from a persistent problem in African logistics. "It's always problematic to find efficient logistics from our country to any part of the world," Fungura explains.
The name "Koki" carries cultural significance. In Shona, one of Zimbabwe's official languages, it refers to the sound of knocking on someone's door, symbolizing their mission for a reliable delivery service.
With a startup capital of 250,000 yuan ($34,130), gathered from savings and support from family and friends, they began developing an e-commerce platform.
The development phase was intense, with Fungura and Marembo testing the system late into the night despite early morning classes.
"We had to be very thorough," Fungura emphasizes. "When a user tries something they're not familiar with, they don't want to deal with glitches."
The platform finally launched in February 2024, offering four main services — door-to-door delivery, importexport services, warehouse fulfillment, and e-commerce.
Fungura and Marembo attend a financial conference in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area with plans for growth. [Photo by LI YONGLE/CHINA DAILY]
Koki Delivery has expanded beyond China, partnering with Loyal Squire Private Limited in Zimbabwe and Loyal Squire South Africa. They've also established Shanghai International Hazmat Logistics, focusing on the safe transportation of dangerous goods, particularly relevant to Zimbabwe's growing lithium industry.
The entrepreneurial path hasn't been smooth. "We've had many doors slammed in our faces," Fungura admits. "Some people say no, or some say they'll think about it and we never hear from them again."
But she and Marembo's complementary personalities — her careful planning balancing his bold initiatives — create a strong foundation. "We are yin and yang in business," she says with a smile.
Their first major corporate deal came as a surprise. "We never imagined that we'd get a deal of this magnitude," Fungura recalls. "When the delivery succeeded, it was like an accomplishment and achievement. It shows the growth aspect and is something to look forward to."
Currently serving over 120 users across B2B and B2C segments, Koki Delivery grows through word-of-mouth and social media. Their client base ranges from individuals seeking personal products to companies requiring logistics solutions.
Lin-gang Special Area proved an ideal launchpad for their venture. "The area demonstrates real support for foreign entrepreneurs," Fungura explains. "We have access to world-class facilities, affordable office space, and proximity to crucial ports and airports, which is important for those in the logistics industry."
With plans for growth, they attend various financial conferences in Lingang, seeking not just investment but also mentorship and strategic partnerships.
Jules Thevenon from France, an international PR specialist at Shanghai Lin-gang Special Area Economic Development Co Ltd, says: "Lin-gang's stability and consistent growth attract entrepreneurs. There are many opportunities to grow with your company."
Fungura and Marembo's ambitions extend beyond basic logistics. "We look at our company not just as logistics of normal goods. We hope to curb a lot of problems facing Africa and do things that can enhance our agricultural system and sustainable energy access," Fungura shares, saying that they want to draw on China's technological advancement.
For aspiring foreign entrepreneurs eyeing China, Fungura offers balanced advice: "Go for it because time waits for no man, but be prepared that it might not work out the way you want it to."
Having visited several Chinese cities, Fungura maintains that Shanghai holds a special place in her heart. "The city I love the most is Shanghai because I've spent a greater part of my life in China here and whenever I go to another city, I miss Shanghai."
As Shanghai continues to evolve and grow, so does Koki Delivery. For Fungura, it is a testament to the opportunities that arise when determination meets the right environment.
"I think this country is ever-evolving and it's only headed up," she reflects. "China is where you hope other countries can look up to and learn from it in terms of developing."
