African countries should increase production to fully take advantage of China’s zero-tariff policy and expand access to the world’s second-largest economy, a Zambian expert said Monday.
Kelvin Chisanga, a social economist based in Lusaka, said Africa’s abundant raw materials and agricultural potential could drive stronger exports to China under the tariff-free arrangement, offering a new opportunity for industrial growth across the continent.
During the 39th African Union Summit held earlier this month in Ethiopia, China announced it would implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing, starting May 1, 2026.
“With this tariff relief, Africa is better positioned to participate more fully in the global market,” Chisanga told Xinhua. “This will serve as a gateway for scaling up production, boosting industrialisation and creating jobs.”
The policy is expected to open opportunities in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. Analysts say Africa could significantly increase exports of commodities such as cocoa, coffee, copper, cobalt, and other raw materials, as well as processed goods, provided governments improve supply capacity and value addition.
Chisanga noted that China’s vast industrial base has high demand for raw materials, which African countries are well-positioned to supply. “Africa can leverage its natural resources to not only grow exports but also move up the value chain by producing higher-value products,” he said.
While China has long been a major exporter to Africa, the zero-tariff arrangement marks a potential shift toward a more balanced trade relationship, giving African producers a stronger presence in Chinese markets. Experts say it could also help African countries diversify export destinations beyond traditional partners in Europe and the United States.
However, Chisanga cautioned that African nations would need significant support to fully benefit from the scheme. Investments in production capacity, technology transfer, skills development, and product standardisation will be crucial to meet Chinese market requirements.
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“Africa must ensure that its products meet quality and safety standards expected by Chinese consumers and industries,” Chisanga said. “Governments should facilitate infrastructure development, logistics, and trade facilitation measures to make exports more competitive.”
The economist also said the policy underscores the growing role of South-South cooperation, which has strengthened diplomatic and economic ties between Africa and China over the past two decades. “This agreement is more than a trade measure; it is a signal of deepening partnership and mutual benefit,” he said.
African policymakers have hailed the zero-tariff initiative as a key incentive for boosting domestic production and industrialisation. Some experts have suggested that governments could pair the policy with investment incentives, technical assistance, and financing schemes to ensure local industries are prepared to meet new export demand.
Observers noted that the timing of the policy coincides with efforts by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to strengthen intra-African trade, offering exporters the potential to combine regional and global markets.
“The zero-tariff policy can accelerate industrial growth if Africa positions itself strategically,” Chisanga said. “It is an opportunity to not just export raw materials but also develop processing industries, create jobs, and strengthen economic resilience.”
China’s zero-tariff scheme could also enhance diplomatic ties, reinforce economic cooperation, and contribute to Africa’s broader development agenda by supporting infrastructure, manufacturing, and agricultural value chains.
With the policy set to come into effect in May, African countries now face a crucial period to scale up production, improve supply chains, and ensure that the continent maximises the benefits of preferential access to the Chinese market.
