A Feature by Li Yang
Accra, Feb. 16, GNA – On 14th February, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the 39th African Union Summit reaffirming that China will implement zero-tariff treatment on all products from the 53 African countries that it has diplomatic relations with, starting from 1st May, 2026.
China will also continue to promote the negotiation and signing of economic partnership agreements for shared development and further expand market access for African products by upgrading the “green lanes,” among other measures.
In recent years, the Asian economic giant has continued to expand market access for African countries, promoting exports of high-quality products to China.
By aligning China’s needs with Africa’s aspirations, the country shares the opportunities of its vast market with the world, creating new space for mutually beneficial China-Africa cooperation.
Zero-Tariff Policy Helps African Products Expand into the Chinese Market
In 2025, China’s total imports reached RMB 18.48 trillion, making it the world’s second-largest import market for 17 consecutive years, and accounting for around 10 per cent of global imports.
China grants zero-tariff treatment to all least developed countries and later extends this treatment to all 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with the country.
The Asian economic giant is the first major developing country and global economy to take such a step, covering a combined population of about 1.9 billion, nearly one-quarter of the world’s total.
In 2025, China’s imports from these economies exceeded USD 140 billion.
The country has also facilitated African exhibitors’ participation in major exhibitions such as the China International Import Expo and the China International Supply Chain Expo, building bridges for African products to connect with the global market.
From Ghanaian black soap, Beninese pineapples, Rwandan dried chili peppers, and Kenyan avocados to Malawian peanuts, Mozambican nuts, and Madagascan lamb, a dazzling array of African products are crossing mountains and seas to enter the vast Chinese market.
Zero-Tariff Policy Drives the Development of African Industrial and Value Chains
China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries will promote industrial development in Africa, accelerate industrial chain upgrading, and advance industrialisation and modernisation.
In 2025, the country’s outward non-financial direct investment reached one trillion RMB, with investment in Africa increasing by 41 per cent year on year.
The Government continues to support Chinese enterprises in pursuing high-quality global expansion by establishing overseas research and development centres and production bases.
Last year, the value of newly signed overseas contracts reached RMB 2.1 trillion, contributing to Africa’s economic growth and industrial upgrading.
China has also established more than 10 “Luban Workshops” in countries such as Ghana, training large numbers of young workers with professional and technical skills.
Chinese-invested enterprises in Ghana, including Sunon Asogli Power, Africa World Airlines, steel companies, ceramics companies, and cement plants, among others, have all deeply integrated into the local society and greatly advanced Ghana’s industrialisation process.
According to the Blue Book on China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation: Development Report on China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation (2025), the trade model between China and Africa is undergoing profound changes.
The zero-tariff policy will promote deeper bilateral industrial cooperation, helping Africa shift from exporting raw materials to producing value-added goods.
A More Open China Leads Economic Globalisation
Amid global instability and rising trade protectionism, China is further opening its market to African countries, promoting imports of high-quality African products, strengthening solidarity among, and advancing the collective progress of, the Global South to counter unilateralism and economic bullying in global trade.
There are no political conditions attached to China’s zero-tariff policy.
It demonstrates China’s commitment as a major country in its cooperation with Africa, reflects its openness and sincerity towards cooperation with all nations, and underscores its firm support for a free and open international trading system.
By expanding unilateral openness towards Africa, China is committed to upholding the multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organisation, steering universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, thereby fostering a trade and investment environment more conducive to the Global South.
Over the 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Ghana, the traditional friendship between the two countries has remained strong despite changing international circumstances.
China has long been Ghana’s largest trading partner and a major source of investment.
In 2025, bilateral trade between the two countries reached a record USD 14.1 billion, increasing 19.3 per cent year on year.
Hundreds of Chinese enterprises are investing and operating in the West African country, supporting Made-in-Ghana productions and Ghana’s industrialisation drive.
This year marks the first year of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and a crucial year for advancing Ghana’s “24-Hour Economy” Initiative and “Resetting Ghana” agenda.
As one of the first African countries to benefit from China’s zero-tariff policy, Ghana’s export potential will be further unlocked, opening up broader prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
Let us join hands to harness the momentum of China’s zero-tariff policy, and use the certainty of high-level bilateral opening-up and cooperation to offset the uncertainties in the global environment, injecting sustained and strong momentum into Africa’s development.
( Li Yang is the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Ghana).
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
