Faith Nyasuguta
China has confirmed that it will eliminate import tariffs on goods from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, a move scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2026. This sweeping zero-tariff treatment – covering nearly all tariff lines – is aimed at boosting trade, deepening economic ties and expanding market access for African exporters in sectors ranging from agriculture to manufacturing.
The announcement was made by Chinese President Xi Jinping in correspondence with African Union leadership during the bloc’s 39th summit in Addis Ababa, signalling Beijing’s intent to strengthen strategic partnerships across the continent. Under the policy, eligible goods entering the Chinese market will be exempt from import duties, lowering costs for African producers and potentially enhancing competitiveness in one of the world’s largest consumer economies.
The expanded zero-tariff framework broadens a scheme that previously applied tariff-free access to a smaller group of countries, and now includes major economies such as Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya, as well as numerous others across East, West and Southern Africa. Eswatini is the only African country excluded due to its diplomatic ties with Taiwan – a status China does not recognise.
Beijing says the policy is part of a broader effort to enhance trade and investment cooperation under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework, improve mechanisms like the “green channel” to expedite customs processes, and support structural economic partnerships. The tariff elimination is expected to increase exports of agricultural products, raw materials and manufactured goods while encouraging Chinese investment in African markets.
African officials have welcomed the move, describing it as a major opportunity to expand exports and integrate more deeply with global supply chains. Mozambique’s government, for example, called the zero-tariff access a “window of opportunity” for businesses to grow their presence in China’s vast market.
Africa-China trade has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting the longstanding role of China as the continent’s largest trading partner. The removal of tariffs is seen as a potential catalyst for further expansion, though analysts note that African economies will need to address structural challenges – including non-tariff barriers and production capacities – to fully capitalise on the new access.
As May 2026 approaches, zero-tariff access is poised to reshape how African exporters engage with China, offering an unprecedented platform for enhanced trade, investment and economic growth across the continent.
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