By Gerald Mbanda
Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, delivers a speech via video at the opening ceremony of the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 5, 2025.
The eighth CIIE and Hongqiao International Economic Forum opened in Shanghai on Wednesday, November, 05.2025. The International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai marks a milestone opportunity for African exporters to deepen their ties with the Chinese market. For many African countries, this is not just another trade fair—it’s a gateway. As China opens its doors ever wider, African agricultural, artisanal, and value-added products are increasingly finding a place on shoppers’ shelves across the world’s largest consumer market.
Since its inauguration, the CIIE has evolved into a powerful global platform. For the 8th edition, China has made clear its intention to further include African enterprises, with the number of African companies participating increasing significantly compared to last year. More strikingly, there will be a dedicated area for products from least developed countries (LDCs), many of them in Africa, making it easier for smaller-scale exporters to access China.
In international trade, many African exporters have historically faced multiple barriers such as trade finance limitations, logistical challenges, and difficulty in finding reliable Chinese buyers. The CIIE offers direct engagement with Chinese importers, e-commerce platforms, and distribution channels, helping exporters bypass traditional hurdles. For example, an Ethiopian coffee brand was able to secure agreements to enter Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms after exhibiting at the expo.
The good news for Africa exporters is the expansion of duty-free and zero-tariff access. China has implemented a policy granting zero tariffs to over 50 African countries with diplomatic ties, covering nearly all their export products. Earlier, China had already taken steps to eliminate tariffs for least developed countries, enabling African exporters to compete on price and access. As a result, Chinese imports from African LDCs have risen sharply in recent years. Products such as Kenyan avocados, Ethiopian Arabica coffee, and Cameroonian cocoa have entered China without tariffs and with faster customs processing, giving African farmers and entrepreneurs a stronger foothold in the market.
Several African countries are reaping the benefits. In Rwanda, exporters are showcasing coffee, tea, chili, natural honey, and macadamia nuts, while negotiating new export protocols for fresh avocados to access Chinese consumers. In Benin, pineapples have drawn strong interest through agricultural pavilions at the CIIE, showing how African tropical fruit can find niche success in Asia. In Burundi, shipments of Arabica coffee beans under zero-tariff rules have resulted in long-term purchase contracts with Chinese buyers, helping to stabilize incomes for local farmers.
These stories illustrate a broader trend: Africa is no longer exporting only raw materials or low-end commodities to China. Instead, more African countries are moving into value-added goods—roasted and packaged coffee, processed honey, and branded agricultural products—while using China’s vast consumer market as a growth engine.
The CIIE also offers unmatched visibility. African products are gaining exposure to millions of Chinese importers, distributors, and retailers. Duty-free and “green channel” arrangements give them smoother access, reducing import tariffs and streamlining customs procedures. Many African countries are also showcasing a more diverse range of exports, including agricultural produce, artisanal crafts, and even services. Moreover, digital platforms are allowing African producers to sell directly to Chinese consumers through e-commerce, further strengthening trade links.
This trend aligns with broader cooperation goals between China and Africa, particularly under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Both sides are working to boost trade, develop resilient supply chains, and promote inclusive economic growth. The CIIE provides the platform to turn these ambitions into tangible results.
However, challenges remain. African exporters must ensure that their products meet Chinese quality and safety standards, including strict rules on packaging, labeling, and traceability. There is also a need to move beyond raw commodity exports to more processed, higher-value goods to achieve sustainable growth. Moreover, the historical trade imbalance between Africa and China—where Africa exports raw materials and imports manufactured goods—must be addressed through strategic diversification and industrial development.
Even with these challenges, the momentum is undeniable. The combination of supportive trade policy, strong consumer demand, and a world-class trade platform has created a powerful engine for growth. For African businesses, the message is clear: with quality products, reliable supply chains, and active participation in platforms like the CIIE, access to China’s vast market is within reach.
As Africa and China continue to deepen their partnership, the 8th CIIE is more than just another trade show—it is a launch pad for the next phase of cooperation. Countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Benin, and Burundi are already benefiting, proving that Africa’s products can thrive in China. For Chinese consumers, this means a richer variety of authentic African goods—from specialty coffee and honey to fresh fruit and artisan crafts. For African exporters, it means new opportunities, better incomes, and a growing role in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
The result is a story of transformation, partnership, and shared prosperity—where African products not only reach China but also win the hearts of its consumers.
