Beijing — In a sweeping move aimed at redrawing the contours of global trade, Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged zero-tariff access for all exports from 53 African nations that maintain diplomatic ties with Beijing.
In a letter addressed to ministers attending the latest round of China-Africa talks in Beijing, Mr Xi called the initiative a “concrete step” toward deeper economic cooperation. The announcement came during the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of Follow-Up Actions of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
“China will also provide more convenience for the least developed countries in Africa to export to China,” Mr Xi said in the letter, signalling a long-term commitment to economic partnership amid global trade tensions and shifting alliances.
A Win for African Exporters
The offer of full market access could prove significant for Africa’s smaller economies, many of which have long struggled with limited export options and tariff barriers in wealthier markets.
President Xi also pledged closer collaboration in emerging fields such as clean energy, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and digital payments sectors he said would be key to “modernising the Africa-China partnership.”
He linked the latest measures to broader Global South cooperation, insisting China “remains open to the world” despite rising protectionism elsewhere.
Kenya Welcomes the Shift
Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, welcomed the pledge, calling FOCAC “a powerful platform” that has driven infrastructure development and people-to-people exchanges across the continent.
“The impact of FOCAC can be felt across Africa,” Mr Mudavadi said, pointing to major projects like Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway and key regional highways. He credited these developments with boosting trade within Africa and positioning the continent for stronger ties abroad.
He also said the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC Summit in Beijing had “reflected Africa’s priorities” and supported efforts aligned with the African Union’s long-term Agenda 2063.
“From tourism to technology, FOCAC is helping cement Africa’s voice in global affairs,” he added.
Signs of Growing Chinese Investment
Kenya’s Ambassador to China, Willy Bett, confirmed growing interest from Chinese investors since President William Ruto’s state visit in April. That visit saw the signing of more than 20 agreements between the two governments.
“We are now seeing more investors showing keen interest to invest in Kenya,” Mr Bett said. “At the embassy, we are busy processing visas for Chinese businesspeople travelling to Nairobi.”
He also noted a spike in air travel between the two countries. China Southern Airlines has added two extra flights per week between Changsha and Nairobi, bringing the total to three. Kenya Airways already operates daily flights to Guangzhou, and discussions are underway to launch a direct Beijing-Nairobi route.
A Strategic Pivot
While some Western critics accuse Beijing of debt diplomacy in Africa, many African leaders view Chinese investment as pragmatic and responsive to local needs. The zero-tariff pledge is likely to strengthen those views.
As the world’s second-largest economy opens its doors wider to African exports, analysts say the move could mark a turning point shifting Africa’s trade flows further east while pressuring other global powers to rethink their engagement with the continent.
For now, Beijing’s message is clear: in a world of uncertainty, China wants Africa to know its markets and its ambitions are open.
