China announced today that it will implement comprehensive zero-tariff measures for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, effective May 1. The initiative will be accompanied by efforts to advance common development economic partnership agreements and expand market access for African products through upgraded “green channels.”
Of Africa’s 54 United Nations-recognized sovereign nations, only Eswatini, Taiwan’s diplomatic ally, is excluded from the preferential tariff treatment. This marks a significant expansion of China’s economic engagement with the African continent.
The announcement follows the June 11, 2025 ministerial meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Results Implementation Coordination held in Changsha, Hunan Province, which produced the “Changsha Declaration” on maintaining solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations. The declaration’s eighth point specifically outlined China’s commitment to achieving zero tariffs on 100 percent of product categories for the 53 African countries through economic partnership agreements, welcoming quality African goods into the Chinese market.
Building upon zero-tariff treatment for least-developed African countries announced at the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China pledged additional measures including deepened market access for goods trade, streamlined inspection and quarantine procedures, customs facilitation, enhanced technical capacity training, and promotion of quality products.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that China and Africa, representing the world’s largest developing country and the continent with the highest concentration of developing nations, form the backbone of the Global South. He stressed the importance of China-Africa unity amid global uncertainties, calling for both sides to maintain mutual assistance, advocate for international free trade, pursue win-win cooperation, defend international justice, and promote cultural diversity.
Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), February 14, 2026
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202602140140.aspx