RismadarVoice Media Report 14, Febuary 2026
Chinese President, Xi Jinping has announced that China will remove tariffs on imports from nearly all African countries beginning May 1, in a move expected to boost trade and economic cooperation across the continent.
According to Chinese state media, the zero-tariff policy will apply to all African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing, except Eswatini, which recognizes Taiwan.
China had previously implemented a zero-tariff policy covering imports from 33 African nations but expanded the initiative last year to include all 53 of its diplomatic partners in Africa.
President Xi said the decision would create new economic opportunities for African countries and strengthen development efforts across the continent.
“The zero-tariff arrangement will undoubtedly provide new opportunities for African development,” Xi said while addressing leaders at the African Union summit in Ethiopia.
China remains Africa’s largest trading partner and has played a major role in financing infrastructure projects across the continent under its Belt and Road Initiative, which supports roads, railways, ports, and energy development.
The expansion of the tariff-free policy is expected to enhance African exports to China by making goods from the continent more competitive in Chinese markets.
Eswatini remains the only African country excluded from the arrangement due to its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory.
The development comes as several African nations seek to diversify trade partnerships amid shifting global trade policies and rising tariffs imposed by some Western economies.
