A new book by Lauren Johnston, a specialist on China trade with Africa, reveals the extent of China's demand for donkey hides. The demand has grown exponentially over the past 15 years, driven mainly by China's consumption of ejiao, a traditional medicine made from donkey hide gelatin. Ejiao is a tonic for women's health, used to treat fatigue, dizziness, and irregular bleeding. The medicine has been used for millennia, but its production has become industrially scaled in recent decades. China's market for ejiao has expanded beyond traditional medicinal use, with the product now sold as a range of consumer goods, including cakes, drinks, and cosmetics. The trade has significant implications for Africa, where millions of donkeys are exported to meet China's demand. The book highlights the need for sustainable and alternative sources of collagen, as the donkey trade raises concerns about animal welfare and environmental impact. The commercialization of ejiao has also raised questions about the medicinal claims made for the product, with some experts questioning the extent to which its benefits are clinically established. The book provides a detailed examination of the complex trade dynamics between China and Africa, and the impact of China's demand for donkey hides on the continent.