China has announced the full implementation of a zero-tariff scheme covering 53 African countries, including Nigeria, as part of the Changsha Declaration—further strengthening economic ties within the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
The announcement came from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a high-level meeting in Changsha between Chinese officials and African foreign ministers. This initiative builds on commitments made during the 2024 Beijing Summit of FOCAC, aimed at fostering a stronger China-Africa partnership amid a shifting global landscape.
In a joint statement, representatives from China, 53 African nations, and the African Union Commission reaffirmed their dedication to creating an “all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.” The declaration emphasized the rising influence of the Global South and the importance of collaboration to promote development, multilateralism, and fair global governance. It also criticized increasing unilateralism, protectionism, and economic coercion, calling on nations—particularly the United States—to resolve trade disputes through mutual respect and dialogue.
The ministry highlighted Africa’s urgent economic and development challenges, urging enhanced international support instead of funding cuts to boost poverty reduction and infrastructure development across the continent.
In a major step, China committed to expanding zero-tariff treatment to 100% of tariff lines for all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing, excluding Eswatini, which does not have official diplomatic relations. This will grant African goods greater access to the Chinese market.
For Africa’s least developed countries, the plan includes improved market access, streamlined customs and inspection processes, and increased technical training and trade facilitation.
China also pledged support for the African Union’s Agenda 2063, focusing on modernization and sustainable development. The Chinese government announced plans to deepen cooperation under the China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development, targeting sectors such as green industries, e-commerce, science and technology, artificial intelligence, finance, and legal frameworks.
The statement reaffirmed commitments to strengthen people-to-people exchanges, including initiatives like the upcoming “2026 Year of People-to-People Exchanges.”
In September 2024, during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu signed five memoranda of understanding. At the Beijing summit, Tinubu described the China-Africa relationship as a “true testament” to mutual respect and cooperation.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar later confirmed that the agreements with China are currently at various stages of implementation.
