Africa -China Review Africa -China Cooperation and Transformation
By staff writer
Shanghai customs staff members inspect imported South African avocadoes. Photo: Screenshot of the report from cnstock.com
African foreign ministers met with their Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Changsa, the capital of Hunan province early this week, in a meeting under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The Chinese foreign minister said that the ministerial meeting would enhance Beijing’s solidarity with countries in the Global South. On the same occasion, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of FOCAC, noting that, “China is committed to providing new opportunities for the world with the new achievements of Chinese modernization and offering new impetus to the Global South partners, including Africa, with its huge market.”
Xi further said that China is ready to negotiate and sign the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development to implement the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines for 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China. “China will provide more convenience for the least developed countries in Africa to export to China,” Xi emphasized. The zero tarrif treatment of goods imported from Africa is part of the agreement under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027).
In a significant development for Africa’s economic landscape, China announced a comprehensive zero-tariff policy for all imports from 33 of Africa’s least developed countries (LDCs), effective from 2024. This move, unveiled at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing, marks a pivotal shift in trade relations between China and the African continent. The policy aims to bolster Africa’s industrialization and economic diversification by providing duty-free access to a vast array of African exports, including agricultural products like rice, wheat, sugar, and cotton.
To facilitate the policy’s implementation, China pledged 360 billion yuan (approximately $50.7 billion) in financial support over the next three years. This package includes 210 billion yuan in credit lines, 80 billion yuan in various forms of assistance, and at least 70 billion yuan in direct investment by Chinese companies in Africa. These funds are earmarked for 30 infrastructure projects designed to improve trade links, 30 clean energy initiatives, and cooperation on nuclear technology in Africa. However, China has stopped short of providing direct debt relief, instead urging other creditors to engage in debt restructuring.
Complementing the zero-tariff policy, China has proposed 10 partnership actions to advance modernization in Africa. These actions encompass various sectors, including trade, industrial cooperation, infrastructure development, health, agriculture, and people-to-people exchanges. The overarching goal is to support Africa’s development and integration into the global economy.
One of the key initiatives is the establishment of a China-Africa digital technology cooperation center, which will jointly build 20 digital demonstration projects. This aims to embrace the latest round of technological revolution and industrial transformation. Additionally, China plans to launch 30 infrastructure connectivity projects in Africa and promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. China also committed to deepening cooperation within the framework of the Global Development Initiative along with the implementation of 1,000 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects.
In the health sector, China committed to establish a hospital alliance and joint medical centers with Africa, send 2,000 medical personnel, and launch 20 programs of health facilities and malaria treatment. To improve agriculture and livelihoods, China promised to provide Africa with 1 billion yuan (about 140 million U.S. dollars) in emergency food assistance, send 500 agricultural experts, and establish a China-Africa agricultural science and technology innovation alliance. Efforts will be made to encourage two-way investment for new business operations by Chinese and African companies, enabling Africa to retain added value and create at least 1 million jobs.
Regarding people-to-people exchanges, China committed to establish an engineering technology academy and build 10 Luban Workshops with Africa. Approximately 60,000 training opportunities to be provided to the African people, mainly for women and young people. The two sides have also agreed to designate 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
For green development, China planned to launch 30 clean energy projects in Africa, create a China-Africa forum on peaceful use of nuclear technology, establish 30 joint laboratories, and collaborate on satellite remote sensing and lunar and deep-space exploration.
To ensure common security, China plans to build with Africa a partnership for implementing the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and make it a fine example of GSI cooperation. The country will also give Africa 1 billion yuan of grants in military assistance, provide training for 6,000 military personnel and 1,000 police and law enforcement officers, and invite 500 young African military officers to visit China. The two sides will conduct joint military exercises, training, and patrols, carry out an “action for a mine-free Africa,” and jointly ensure the safety of personnel and projects.
The implementation of these initiatives is expected to have a transformative impact on Africa’s economic and social development. The zero-tariff policy alone is anticipated to significantly boost trade between China and Africa, providing African nations with greater access to the Chinese market. The financial support and partnership actions outlined by China further demonstrate a commitment to long-term collaboration and mutual growth. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation and the active participation of African countries in leveraging the opportunities presented.
China’s zero-tariff policy and the 10 partnership actions represent a significant step towards deepening China-Africa relations and supporting Africa’s modernization efforts. By providing access to its vast market, investing in critical sectors, and fostering people-to-people exchanges, China aims to contribute to Africa’s development and integration into the global economy. As these initiatives unfold, they hold the potential to reshape the economic landscape of Africa and strengthen its position on the global stage.
