China has announced plans to sign a new economic agreement with Africa that will eliminate all tariffs on goods from 53 African countries.

This is a move expected to boost trade and benefit even the more developed nations on the African continent.

Currently, China already allows least developed countries (LDCs) to export goods to its market without paying duties or facing quotas.

Many African nations like Tanzania and Mali fall under this category. However, middle-income African countries — including South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco — have not enjoyed the same level of access. That’s about to change.

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Following a high-level meeting between senior Chinese officials and African foreign ministers in Changsha, China’s foreign ministry issued a statement:

“China is ready to… welcome quality products from Africa to the Chinese market.”

The new deal aims to level the playing field. By extending tariff-free access to middle-income countries, China hopes to encourage more balanced trade, especially as African economies develop and diversify their exports beyond raw materials.

Extra Support for Less Developed Nations

While the new policy opens doors for advanced African economies with strong manufacturing sectors, China has also promised to help poorer nations stay competitive.

For example, China will offer additional support to LDCs such as Tanzania or Mali. This support will include training programs and help with marketing their products so they can better compete with countries like South Africa, which already has a stronger industrial base.

Opportunity for Middle-Income Nations

Analysts say this policy shift could significantly benefit countries with the infrastructure and capacity to produce value-added goods.

“It enables middle-income countries like Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Morocco… to now enter the Chinese market duty-free,” said Hannah Ryder, founder of Development Reimagined, a consultancy focused on African development.

These countries could now tap into China’s massive market, exporting more processed and manufactured goods, not just raw materials.

A Step Toward Fairer Trade

Trade between China and Africa has been increasing steadily, but it has long been uneven.

Last year, China had a $62 billion trade surplus with Africa, meaning it exported far more to the continent than it imported from it.

“Unless we have an equivalent increase of African exports to China, then trade deficits will continue to increase,” Ryder warned.

She believes this new initiative could be a turning point — helping African nations sell more to China and narrowing the trade gap.

Bigger Picture: China’s $50 Billion Africa Pledge

This move follows China’s larger commitment made during last year’s summit in Beijing.

At the summit, China promised 360 billion yuan (about $50 billion) in credit and investments for African economies over the next three years.

That announcement marked China’s return to major funding deals for Africa, after taking a break during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the new tariff-free trade pact and billions in pledged investments, China is sending a strong signal.

It wants to deepen its economic ties with Africa, while offering new opportunities for the continent’s growing industries.