Editor's Note:
Ms. Lorna Tolly Mbwette, Principal Partner - HR & Business advisory of GIG Consult and Director of the Tanzania Chapter of Women Leadership in Insurance Africa (WLIAfrica), participated in the “Seminar on Promoting Rural Revitalization through E-commerce for Developing Countries” hosted by AIBO from March 4 to 17. The following are her reflections on the training in China:
A Dream Come True: Learning, Connection, and New Perspectives in China
by Lorna Tolly Mbwette from Tanzania
Sometimes life presents opportunities that remind you how big the world is and how much there is still to learn. Being in China for a seminar on Promoting Rural Revitalization through E-commerce for Developing Countries has truly been a dream come true for me. It is not only an opportunity to learn, but also a chance to grow my professional network, build partnerships, and exchange ideas with people from different parts of the world.
From the moment we arrived, the AIBO team made us feel incredibly welcome. One of the things that immediately stood out to me was how organized everything was. As someone who values structure and planning, I really appreciated this level of coordination. It reflects a culture that respects efficiency and preparation.
The school campus itself is impressive. It is large, well maintained, and provides a learning environment that encourages focus and growth. Being here has even made me think about the future of my own daughters. I can genuinely see them studying in an environment like this one day for their university degrees. There is so much knowledge to gain here, and education like this can empower young people to return home and contribute meaningfully to their societies by bringing ideas and initiatives that can improve lives and drive change.
One of the most exciting personal moments of this trip has been experiencing snow. For many people this may seem like a small thing, but for me it was magical. I’ve seen snow many times in movies, and while I may have experienced it as a baby when I lived in London, I have no memory of it. Seeing it now as an adult felt special and memorable.
Beyond the personal experiences, what stands out most to me is the impact of initiatives like this training seminar. Like China, I strongly believe that educating professionals from developing countries creates far greater long-term impact than simply providing loans or financial support. When people gain practical knowledge, skills, and exposure, they return home equipped to drive real change. They can influence policies, strengthen institutions, and introduce initiatives that help their countries grow sustainably.
Seminars like this demonstrate China’s commitment to knowledge sharing and international cooperation. I applaud China for investing in capacity building for developing nations. It is through education, collaboration, and shared learning that countries can truly progress.
Experiences like this remind me that development is a journey. With continued learning, partnerships, and dedication, I believe that one day our own countries will also reach the level of development we admire today.
And for me, this journey has only just begun.
Ms. Lorna Tolly Mbwette during a company visit (First from right)
