Online Reporter
China will fully implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations from 1 May 2026, while accelerating negotiations and signing agreements on economic partnership for shared development, as part of a broader push to deepen trade and expand market access for African exports.
This was announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in a congratulatory message sent on Saturday to Joao Lourenco, rotating Chairperson of the African Union and President of Angola, as well as to Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission on the occasion of the 39th AU Summit.
President Xi said the zero-tariff measure, alongside upgraded “green channel” arrangements and other trade facilitation mechanisms, would further expand access for African goods into the Chinese market. He noted that the new steps form part of China’s high-level opening-up strategy and are intended to unlock fresh opportunities for Africa’s development and support the continent’s industrialisation and modernisation drive.
In his message, President Xi observed that the world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century, while the strength and influence of the Global South continue to rise significantly. He commended the AU for maintaining unity over the past year and for leading African countries in advancing regional integration and safeguarding the continent’s legitimate rights and interests on the global stage.
He said the AU’s international standing and influence have continued to grow, positioning Africa as an increasingly important actor in global governance and economic transformation.
In a world marked by volatility and uncertainty, President Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to safeguarding global peace, promoting shared development and building what he described as a community with a shared future for humanity.
He underscored that the upcoming zero-tariff implementation and economic partnership agreements would strengthen China-Africa trade ties, enhance value addition and stimulate export-led growth across African economies.
Reflecting on the history of relations between China and Africa, President Xi noted that the two sides have stood together for 70 years, weathering challenges and advancing cooperation across multiple sectors. He said the partnership has been anchored in mutual respect, solidarity and shared aspirations for development.
China, he added, stands ready to work with Africa to carry forward their longstanding friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthen people-to-people ties and jointly build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.
