African leaders at the recently-concluded 39th African Union (AU) Summit hailed China's landmark zero-tariff policy for 53 partner nations as a "win-win situation" that could accelerate continental trade and development.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the summit, in which Xi announced that China will fully implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China starting from May 1, 2026. He also highlighted efforts to upgrade the "green channel" for African exports.
The announcement drew strong endorsements from senior AU representatives, who underscored China's role as Africa's largest investor and a critical trade partner.
"China is a very important trading partner to Africa and also a huge investor in Africa, especially critical areas like infrastructure. So we welcome that and I think this will also hopefully encourage other partners of Africa to also introduce zero tariff for African products," said Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, spokesperson for the AU Commission Chairperson.
Other voices at the summit stressed the broader significance of China's engagement with Africa, pointing to its role in infrastructure and the Belt and Road Initiative.
"The Chinese relationship with Africa is very strong and the Chinese presence in the continent on all levels, especially with the Belt and Road Initiative, with the infrastructure development of Africa is making a difference to us on the continent. Having the zero tariff is like a great stride because now if we see what China has announced, together with the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area), that will make a huge difference for the African development, and this is what we're talking about. It's a win-win situation," said Ambassador Namira Negm, director of the African Migration Observatory.
The 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) opened Saturday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
During the two-day summit, African leaders focused their discussions on pressing issues including peace and security challenges on the continent, the AU's institutional reforms, participation in the G20, and implementation of Agenda 2063 at an accelerated pace.
In a closing press conference, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf reiterated a zero-tolerance stance against unconstitutional changes of government and emphasized the AU's commitment to its flagship initiative, "Silencing the Guns."
AU Summit hails China's landmark zero-tariff policy as "win-win" for Africa
