Chinese President Xi Jinping has unveiled a groundbreaking zero-tariff trade plan aimed at boosting economic cooperation between China and African nations. The initiative, announced during a congratulatory message at the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), marks a significant step forward in China’s efforts to deepen its relationship with Africa. The meeting, held in Changsha, Hunan Province, on June 11, 2025, was a pivotal moment in strengthening the economic, political, and cultural ties between China and the African continent.
Under the new trade plan, China will extend zero-tariff treatment to 100% of tariff lines for all 53 African countries with which Beijing maintains diplomatic relations. This initiative aims to facilitate increased trade between China and African nations, particularly for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Africa. The plan will not only enhance access for African exports to China but also provide opportunities for African nations to diversify their economies and integrate further into global trade.
President Xi emphasized that the new measures reflect China’s long-term commitment to mutual development and shared prosperity. The measures aim to promote collaboration in critical areas, including green industries, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and science and technology. The goal is to accelerate the implementation of earlier promises made at previous FOCAC summits and bolster Africa’s economic growth while promoting sustainable, high-quality development.
Xi also warned that global challenges, such as rising unilateralism, protectionism, and anti-globalization trends, pose a threat to the prosperity of developing countries, including many in Africa. He stressed that greater unity between China and Africa would help address these challenges and support global peace and stability. The President’s remarks underlined the importance of working together to navigate the current global uncertainty and to protect shared interests.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that China-Africa solidarity is essential for enhancing the influence of the Global South. Wang noted that both China and Africa must strengthen their unity and self-reliance to meet the challenges of a more complex and turbulent international landscape. He pointed out that by standing together, China and Africa can ensure fairness and justice in the international system.
Nigeria played a prominent role at the forum, being honored as the Guest of Honour at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. Nigerian representatives, including Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar and Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, held essential discussions with Chinese enterprises to expand bilateral cooperation. Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhang Yi, described the engagements between Nigerian and Chinese representatives as successful, highlighting agreements to strengthen economic ties and increase investment in Nigeria.
The forum culminated with the issuance of the China-Africa Changsha Declaration, which emphasizes the importance of strengthening China-Africa solidarity, championing justice, and safeguarding the shared interests of both regions. The declaration reaffirmed the goals set during previous FOCAC summits and outlined continued cooperation under the Ten Partnership Actions, which focus on health, education, infrastructure, trade, and other vital areas for Africa’s development.
China’s commitment to expanding trade and cooperation with Africa, as outlined in this zero-tariff plan, will create significant opportunities for African nations to develop economically and strategically. The initiative marks a new phase in China-Africa relations, focusing on creating a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership that contributes to Africa’s development while strengthening China’s position as a leader in the Global South.
With this new commitment, China is reaffirming its role as a key partner for Africa’s growth and development, offering both resources and expertise to address the continent’s most pressing challenges. The zero-tariff trade plan is not just a financial commitment but a recognition of the importance of stronger ties between China and Africa in shaping a more stable and prosperous global future. The partnership between China and Africa continues to evolve, marking a new chapter in international cooperation and global development.
