CHANGSHA, CHINA — China has pledged to eliminate all tariffs on goods from 53 African countries as part of a broader economic agreement aimed at strengthening China-Africa trade. President Xi Jinping made the announcement in a letter to ministers attending the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) coordination meeting in Changsha City.
Once African leaders formally agree to the “China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development,” the zero-tariff treatment will take effect across all tariff lines. This offer applies only to African countries that have established diplomatic relations with Beijing.
“China will also provide more convenience for the least developed countries in Africa to export to China,” said President Xi.
He stated that China, in the face of global uncertainty, intends to create new development opportunities for partner nations through its expanding domestic market. The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts to deepen China’s cooperation with the Global South, especially through the lens of trade, infrastructure, and technology.
Xi highlighted China’s commitment to ten partnership initiatives designed to support Africa’s modernization. These include joint ventures in green manufacturing, e-commerce, digital payment systems, artificial intelligence, scientific innovation, finance, legal systems, and national security.
Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi addressed the ministerial meeting, calling FOCAC a “people-centered” and “mutually beneficial” platform that has delivered clear results since its founding 25 years ago. He pointed to physical infrastructure like rail and roads, regional connectivity, and cultural exchange programs as proof of the cooperation’s impact.
“FOCAC has continued to support development goals across Africa. It has also been a space for sharing best practices and enhancing investment and trade under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area,” said Mudavadi.
He emphasized the importance of aligning FOCAC’s agenda with Africa’s long-term strategy, Agenda 2063, saying the cooperation framework “keeps Africa relevant in the current geopolitical environment.”
Kenya has positioned itself as a central player in the China-Africa partnership. Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s support for China-led initiatives like the Belt and Road, citing the Standard Gauge Railway as a practical example of results on the ground.
Kenya’s Ambassador to China, Willy Bett, confirmed increased commercial activity following President William Ruto’s state visit to China in April. That visit produced over 20 signed agreements between the two countries.
“We are now seeing more investors showing strong interest in Kenya,” said Bett. “The embassy has been busy processing travel for Chinese businesspeople heading to Nairobi.”
Bett added that air travel routes reflect growing ties, with Kenya Airways offering daily flights to Guangzhou and China Southern expanding to three weekly flights between Changsha and Nairobi. Talks are underway to open a direct route from Beijing.
As both sides look to deepen collaboration, Chinese officials have underscored that the success of the zero-tariff plan depends on African nations finalizing the trade pact. Beijing insists the benefits full market access, project funding, and export support will follow formal commitment to the agreement.
The China-Africa partnership continues to evolve through FOCAC, a platform that has facilitated political dialogue, economic agreements, and cross-continental initiatives since its establishment in 2000. The 2025 Changsha meeting marks a significant step in advancing that agenda with clear, measurable commitments on both sides.
