Chinese President Xi Jinping’s congratulatory message to the 39th African Union (AU) Summit has drawn significant attention across Africa and the international community.
In his message, President Xi announced that China will implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China, effective May 1, 2026. He also highlighted plans to upgrade the “green channel” to facilitate increased African exports to the Chinese market.
Over the past year, the African Union (AU) has maintained unity and led member states in promoting continental integration, while resolutely safeguarding Africa’s legitimate rights and interests. As a result, Africa’s international status and influence have continued to grow, he said.
President Xi emphasized that in a world marked by change and uncertainty, China remains firmly committed to safeguarding global peace, advancing common development and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.
He added that China will continue to advance negotiations and sign agreements on economic partnership for shared development. China will further expand access for African exports by upgrading the “green channel” and implementing additional trade facilitation measures.
According to President Xi, these new measures to expand high-level opening-up will create fresh opportunities for Africa’s development and strengthen China–Africa cooperation in pursuit of modernization.
He further noted that over the 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and African countries, both sides have stood together through challenges and progressed side by side.
China, he said, stands ready to work with Africa to carry forward their longstanding friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance mutual understanding and jointly write a new chapter of an all-weather China–Africa community with a shared future in the new era.
Earlier, former Lesotho Institute of Accountants (LIA) President Mr Lefu Mokaoane said the zero-tariff policy is expected to increase export opportunities for countries such as Lesotho, attract foreign investment, create employment and boost GDP growth.
China previously granted zero-tariff treatment to least developed countries effective December 1, 2024.
Observers note that 70 years of China–Africa bilateral cooperation has evolved beyond traditional aid or project-based assistance, enabling African enterprises to participate more meaningfully in modernization through expanded market access, trade and industrial development opportunities.
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