China's zero-tariff policy for African countries opens a door of opportunity for Botswana and other nations on the continent, according to Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko. Boko made the comments in an interview with China Media Group (CMG) during his state visit to China from Oct. 12 to 17 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
In the interview, Boko said that against the backdrop of rising uncertainty and challenges facing the global trading system, China serves as a stabilizing force, promoting trade facilitation and inclusive development.
He highlighted that the Chinese government's zero-tariff trade offer to 53 African countries has enhanced mutual trust between Africa and China.
"First, China was never an imperial power, and that means in its relations with other sovereign states, it acts in the utmost good faith and respectfully. A partner that is not out to derive undue advantage from the relationship. And that is why the People's Republic of China has now extended a zero-tariff arrangement to facilitate trade," he said.
In addition, Boko stressed that China has set a leading example of South-South cooperation and has continued to deepen the cooperation.
"This is the effect of opening up opportunities for these countries that have now received this benefit. It also eases the pressure on these economies that results from the uncertainty and the turbulence in the international commercial scene. It also promotes trust and confidence between Africa and China. And it is a central pillar of South-South cooperation and China has become a leading example of what the South-South cooperation can do, and it is helping to promote and power it, and so it's absolutely important," he said.
China on May 1 expanded its zero-tariff treatment to cover all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties, creating new opportunities for Africa to boost exports and industrialization amid the global headwinds of protectionism.
It had already scrapped tariffs on 100 percent of tariff lines for 33 least developed countries (LDCs) in Africa since Dec 1, 2024.
China is Africa's largest trading partner. According to China's General Administration of Customs, China-Africa trade hit a record high of 348 billion U.S. dollars in 2025. Of this total, China's imports from Africa amounted to 123 billion dollars, an increase of 5.4 percent year on year.
China's zero-tariff policy opens door of opportunity for African countries: Botswana's president
