Inside China's expanding partnership with Africa

As Belt and Road Initiative projects gather pace across Africa — upgrading transport networks, strengthening energy systems and expanding digital connectivity — the scope of China-Africa cooperation is broadening beyond infrastructure.

Complementing these advances, China has extended zero-tariff access to imports from all 53 African countries with which China has diplomatic relations, a move announced in June that is widely seen as boosting Africa's trade competitiveness while deepening economic ties between the two sides.

This comes amid tightening trade policies in parts of the global economy, adding geopolitical significance to China's decision to further open its market to African exports.

Analysts and policymakers say the move reinforces South-South cooperation at a time when developing economies are increasingly seeking more predictable and mutually beneficial trade and investment partnerships.

According to GIT-ZONE International, a global business development organization in Egypt, the removal of tariffs offers tangible commercial benefits for African exporters.

"Tariffs are often one of the biggest obstacles for African businesses looking to enter high-demand foreign markets such as China," the organization said in a statement last month. "Now, exporters across agriculture, manufacturing, mining and textiles will have easier and more profitable access to Chinese buyers."

In contrast to rising protectionist measures in the West — including increased United States tariffs on certain African imports — China is positioning itself as an open and inclusive trade partner, the organization said. By strengthening ties with the Global South, it added, China is reinforcing its long-term economic alliances.

China's tariff announcement has generated optimism among African agricultural exporters and farmers, many of whom expect their incomes to rise.

Willy Mutai, CEO of the Tea Board of Kenya, said the tariff removal is a major boost for his country's tea sector, allowing easier access to the Chinese market.

As China's economy grows, Mutai said rising disposable incomes are driving higher demand for imported, high-quality tea. He attributed the growing appetite for black tea in China to shifting cultural preferences and spending patterns among affluent consumers.

"Coupled with promotional activities, we estimate that our tea exports will grow from 4 million kilograms recorded last year to 20 million kg by 2027, and possibly 50 million kg by 2030," Mutai said.

Such growth, he added, could intensify competition and enable farmers to secure better prices at auction for crush, tear and curl teas. For orthodox teas, factories could earn at least $1 more per kilogram — nearly 35 percent above the current average auction price of about $2.

The Avocado Society of Kenya also welcomed the move, describing it as a significant opportunity to boost exports and farmer incomes.

The association said it has been working to harmonize standards and ensure Kenyan avocados meet China's stringent requirements, including pest management protocols and dry-matter content thresholds, to fully capitalize on the new market access.

James Shikwati, founder and director of the Inter Region Economic Network in Kenya, said that while the US is introducing multiple tariff barriers across different regions, China has taken a contrasting approach, creating fresh opportunities for Africa.

"This sends a clear signal to Africa that, despite rising protectionism elsewhere, the Chinese market remains accessible at zero tariffs," Shikwati said.