HELSINKI — Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has praised China’s decision to grant African countries full tariff-free access to its market, calling it a “game changer” for trade and diplomacy in the Global South.
Speaking at the 13th Kultaranta Talks in Finland, Mudavadi described China’s pledge announced during the mid-term Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) review in Changsha as a bold move that directly supports African economies.
“The Chinese government made a significant decision to provide 100 percent tariff-free market access for African goods and products,” Mudavadi stated. “This shows commitment beyond talk.”
He drew a comparison to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the U.S.-Africa trade framework set to expire in September. “That program has been important, but its time is ending. Meanwhile, China is moving forward,” he said.
Mudavadi said Kenya, like other African nations, is actively securing fair global trade arrangements. He pointed to a new agreement with the European Union as part of efforts to expand opportunities for Kenyan manufacturers and producers.
“To speak for Kenya, we have signed an economic partnership with the EU to help our industries reach competitive levels in that market,” he said.
He noted a broader trend in global realignment. “While the West is reassessing its position in Africa, China is expanding its engagement. If aid programs close, China moves in with economic cooperation,” he said.
Mudavadi urged global players to support a fairer trading environment. “We must build a trade system that works for everyone—no matter where they are or how strong their economy is,” he said.
Representing President William Ruto at the international forum, Mudavadi participated in discussions on global security and shifting alliances under this year’s theme, “The Changing World Order – Old Meets New.”
At last week’s FOCAC meeting, he highlighted the concrete results of the 25-year partnership, crediting it with new infrastructure and stronger cultural exchanges.
“From roads and railways to cross-border infrastructure, the collaboration is real,” Mudavadi said. He pointed to ongoing Belt and Road Initiative projects in Kenya as evidence of the partnership’s impact on regional trade and integration.
He also emphasized the alignment between FOCAC and Africa’s long-term development plan, Agenda 2063. “FOCAC keeps us focused on people-centered progress and ties directly into our future goals,” he said.
Mudavadi added that China’s approach matches Africa’s priorities—mutual respect, practical cooperation, and sustained development. He noted that the platform also encourages knowledge exchange on emerging technology, including artificial intelligence.
“South-South partnerships like this help us shape global governance instead of just reacting to it,” he concluded.
China’s new trade stance is expected to open the door for African producers to compete more fairly in global markets, particularly in sectors like agriculture, textiles, and light manufacturing. Analysts say this could mark a turning point in Africa’s trade strategy as geopolitical shifts reshape long-standing alliances.
