African officials are heralding a major expansion of China's zero-tariff policy for the continent as a transformative and innovative measure set to reshape economic ties. The policy, described as a landmark step, is expected to boost Africa's industrialization, unlock broader market access, and attract crucial investment across key sectors.
The initiative is set to take effect imminently. Starting May 1, 2026, China will extend preferential zero-tariff treatment to 20 African nations that have diplomatic relations with China but are not classified as least developed countries. This new phase of the policy will run through April 30, 2028.
This latest move builds upon an earlier framework that has been in place for over a year. Since December 1, 2024, China has granted duty-free access across all tariff lines to 33 least developed African countries with diplomatic ties.
Eric Dodoo-Amoo, Head of the China Desk at Ghana's Ministry of Finance, emphasized the policy's potential. Ghana is one of the 20 nations newly included in the arrangement. "China's new zero-tariff policy for Africa will give strong impetus to the industrialization drive across the continent," he told CGTN Digital.
In the near term, Dodoo-Amoo expects the policy to significantly boost Africa's agricultural processing sector. He noted that the continent has historically relied heavily on raw material exports and that the zero-tariff framework now provides wide access to the vast Chinese market.
"The long-term opportunity lies not merely in expanding export volumes but in leveraging the policy window to anchor industrial planning, attract Chinese and domestic investment into agro-processing, light manufacturing and resource beneficiation, and translate raw material advantages into genuine structural transformation," he explained.
Describing the measure, Dodoo-Amoo stated, "This is a very transformative and very innovative policy from China, and we are looking for it to see how we can explore it."
He also called for proactive steps from African governments to maximize the opportunity. This includes initiatives to improve critical infrastructure, implement tailored industrial policies, and actively seize the advantages presented by the zero-tariff access.
Reference(s):
African officials to CGTN: China's zero-tariff policy 'transformative'
cgtn.com
