Africa could tap big gains from China's zero-tariff deal
China zero tariffs to Africa: China is negotiating a new economic deal with all African countries that will eliminate all tariffs and give them special market access.
“This latest development could significantly benefit all the least developed countries (LDCs) in Africa and boost their respective economies. China is ready to welcome quality products from Africa to the Chinese market,” China’s Foreign Ministry said in a media report this week as he announced the CHina zero tariffs to Africa.
Noting that the duty-free market access to China could make African countries rewrite policies that benefit the two nations, the report says, the Xi Jinping administration is leveraging Africa’s dissatisfaction with Trump’s policies and is pulling emerging economies into its fold throught he China zero tariffs.
True to the fact, according to a new Pew Research Center report, 66% of countries have no confidence in Trump’s global policies and that only 24 countries show confidence in Trump and trust him to “do the right thing in world affairs.”
The deal comes on the backdrop of more and more African coutnries join the BRICS bloc which so far includes South Africa, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda, and to an extent Egypt.
“It enables middle-income countries like Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco to be able to now enter the Chinese market duty-free,” said Hannah Ryder, founder of Africa-focused consultancy Development Reimagined in her comments on China zero tariffs to Africa.
Commenting about the move by China, Ryder recalled that last year, China pledged to invest USD 50 billion in African economies over three years.
“The investments include infrastructural projects such as railroads, ports, and tapping natural resources. African nations have agreed to the funding deal as an influx of investments enters its borders,” the consultant said.
Ryder points out that while the US is distancing itself from other countries, BRICS countries like China is bringing African countries near its fold; “The shift in global structure could provide BRICS a boost as many countries are following in its footsteps,” the resercher said noting that China zero tariffs will spark trade.
In his comments, Andrew Robertson, Head of Business Enablement and Operations at business and commercial banking, Standard Bank Group, highlighted what he described as; “…the catalytic potential of China’s zero-tariff policy for African exporters.
“At Business and Commercial Banking, we pride ourselves on turning possibilities into opportunities for the businesses that power Africa’s vibrant economies,” he said and also applauded China zero tariffs as a trade catalyst.
“China’s zero-tariff policy presents a catalytic opportunity, and through strategic platforms and our strategic partnerships with entities such as Wesgro, we support businesses convert policy into progress by unlocking direct access to high-potential buyers,” he noted.
Summing up, he said; “By leveraging our digital trade capabilities, sector-specific support, and cross-border partnerships, we empower clients to start, manage and grow, not just in China, but across the African continent and other key global markets. We are about enabling long-term growth through market access that is practical, scalable and sustainable.”
Also Read: African leaders call for U.S. tariff reforms, investment-led ties
In line with this development, China zero tariffs, Wesgro, the Western Cape’s trade, tourism, and investment promotion agency, recently facilitated the participation of an African Western Cape delegation at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), held from 12 to 15 June 2025 in Changsha, China.
The China zero tariffs deal aims to deepen trade ties and open the Chinese market to a wider range of African products, Wesgro said in a press statement .
“The policy is expected to enhance export opportunities across the continent, positioning African businesses to better compete in the world’s second-largest economy,” Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander said.
Worth noting is the fact that CAETE is one of the largest trade exhibitions globally, it serves to create direct linkages between African businesses and the Chinese market.
The delegation included exporters and trade facilitators showcasing products such as organic cosmetics, wines, spices, fresh flowers, teas, and nutritional goods.
Stander noted that China is a key trading partner for the Western Cape and that in 2024, total exports from the province to China reached R11.76bn, making it one of the largest export markets for the province.
“If we are to realise our provincial objective of trebling exports from the province by 2035, growth in new markets will be essential. Over the coming weeks, Wesgro will work to understand how businesses can best leverage new opportunities flowing from this announcement,” Stander pointed out.
He said the agency continues to focus on expanding Africa’s access to other strategic markets, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), India, Brazil, and the Middle East.
“Market diversification is critical to building resilience and long-term growth for Western Cape businesses,” Stander added.
“By supporting engagements in key global markets like China, we’re advancing our strategic mandate to drive trade and investment,” he summed up.
BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) to disburse loans in national currencies
In a similar development, BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) plans to disburse loans in national currencies to end dependency on the US dollar. The move will strengthen the alliance and make local currencies the center of all transactions, reads the press statement in part.
“Disbursing loans in national currencies worth billions and repayment in the same tender will help the currency grow stronger. NDB could change its financial stance and become more lucrative to other emerging economies in the markets,” it says.
In this regard, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said that the White House sanctions on developing countries are what led the BRICS Bank to decide on lending loans in national currencies. He confirmed that Russia is closely working with NDB on the development to increase financing in national currencies.
“This would bypass Western sanctions and allow NDB to operate in all economic situations and not be under Western influence,” he said.
Ryabkov explained that BRICS Bank President, Dilma Rousseff would take necessary steps to meet the goals of financing in national currencies.
“We proceed with the work with the bank in various areas, including on issues of expanding financing in national currencies and development of innovative processes in the field of investment and financial instruments,” Ryabkov said.
“The management of NDB, including the re-elected president of the bank Dilma Rousseff, takes necessary steps for BRICS Bank to meet its goals (national currencies) on a fair and non-discriminatory basis,” he said.
He stressed that sanctions from the White House are affecting how the bank functions and admitted that; “Sanctions pressure from Western countries still impedes the normal functioning of the bank on the territory of the Russian Federation.”
He was vocal of the recent tariffs and trade wars by the Trump administration that he said have dislodged the normal flow of global trade; “We stand in solidarity regarding the fact that such measures undermine the multilateral trade system, hindering the achievement of sustainable development goals,” he said noting China zero tariffs for Africa will make all the difference.
