CHINA Has Announced A Major New Trade Policy That Removes All Tariffs On Goods From African Countries With Which It Has Diplomatic Relations. Experts Say This Decision Could Transform Trade Between China And Africa, Opening A Market Of More Than 1.4 Billion People And Giving African Nations Greater Access To Global Value Chains. The Move, Introduced By President Xi Jinping Under The Forum On China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Aims To Support Industrial Growth And Inclusive Development Across The Continent.
The Policy Was Reaffirmed At The Fourth China–Africa Economic And Trade Expo In Changsha, Hunan Province, Which Has Become A Key Hub For Promoting African Exports. Hunan’s Role In Deepening Trade Ties Began In 2018, When Officials From Ghana And China Explored How The Province Could Serve As A Gateway For African Products Entering The Chinese Market. Those Early Efforts Led To The Establishment Of The Trade Expo In 2019, Which Continues To Expand Business Opportunities Between Africa And China.
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama Recently Discussed The Zero-Tariff Policy During A State Visit To China. He Said The Initiative Reflects China’s Confidence In Its Partnership With Africa And Offers New Opportunities For Ghanaian Exporters, Manufacturers, And Agro-Processors. President Mahama Praised The Policy As A Show Of Solidarity That Aligns With Ghana’s “Reset Agenda” And 24-Hour Economy Vision, Both Aimed At Creating Sustainable Jobs And Boosting Industrial Growth.
Analysts Believe The Zero-Tariff Plan Could Help Africa Move From Exporting Raw Materials To Producing Value-Added Goods. However, They Note That Success Will Depend On African Governments Building Stronger Industries, Improving Standards, And Effectively Using Frameworks Like The African Continental Free Trade Area (Afcfta). For Africa, The Policy Offers Both A Challenge And A Chance—To Strengthen Local Manufacturing, Create Jobs, And Gain A Stronger Position In Global Trade.