Editor's Note: China has expanded its zero-tariff policy to include all the 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. The Department of African Affairs of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Research Center on Building a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity co-hosted a seminar in Beijing last month. The seminar was attended by government officials from China and African countries as well as experts. Below are excerpts of speeches of four of the participants, as reported by China Daily's Wang Qingyun.

Industrial upgrade necessary to reap full benefits

By Leah Beryl Rosebellah Aywah

China's decision to extend zero-tariff treatment to all eligible African countries is both historic and strategic.

It signals a strong commitment to deepening China-Africa economic cooperation and advancing a more inclusive framework for South-South trade. However, the significance of this move lies not just in tariff elimination, but in what it makes possible.

For years, African exports have remained largely restricted to raw materials rather than processed goods. Now the expansion of the zero-tariff treatment to all tariff lines offers an opportunity to change this pattern.

Processed and semi-processed African goods can now enter the Chinese market under the same preferential conditions as raw materials, and therefore create an incentive for African countries to move further up the value chain.

For instance, those exporting raw cotton can now explore textiles and apparel manufacturing.

The real question for African economies is not only whether we can export more, but whether we can export with greater value added and higher productivity.

Digital trade and e-commerce also present a major opportunity. China hosts one of the most important and dynamic e-commerce ecosystems, transforming how products reach consumers.

For African businesses, especially medium, small and micro enterprises as well as those headed by women and youth entrepreneurs, zero-tariff access allows direct entry into the Chinese market through digital platforms.

An African coffee producer, cosmetic brand, or handicraft enterprise can now access this market without relying solely on traditional distribution chains.

This is particularly important because digital trade lowers market entry barriers for smaller enterprises and creates opportunities for branding, niche marketing and innovation.

However, to fully benefit from this opportunity, African countries will need stronger digital infrastructure, export-readiness programs, payment systems, logistics support and greater engagement with Chinese online marketplaces.

Agriculture is a mainstay for many African economies. Most African exports to China are agricultural products such as coffee, tea, avocados, nuts, spices, flowers, seafood and specialty goods, which are increasingly finding new markets in China.

Although the zero-tariff policy enhances competitiveness, market access alone is not sufficient. Long-term success depends on quality assurance systems, sanitary and phytosanitary compliance, traceability mechanisms, cold chain logistics, and investment in storage and transport infrastructure.

Zero-tariff access has important implications for investment flows and industrial cooperation. When manufacturers realize that products made in Africa can enter duty-free, it creates an incentive for investment in production facilities, industrial parks, logistics systems and export-oriented manufacturing.

China's zero-tariff initiative provides African countries with an unprecedented opportunity to expand exports and deepen participation in global trade.

But tariffs are only one component of competitiveness. The long-term gains from this policy will depend on how effectively we strengthen production capacity, industrialization, standard systems, logistics and the digital trade infrastructure.

The greatest opportunity lies not just in increasing trade volumes but in transforming the structure of trade itself — from dependence on raw commodity exports toward diversified, value-added and technology-driven trade.

The author is the chief state counsel at the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice of Kenya. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Boosting agricultural processing key to export expansion

By Mao Xiaojing

Roughly 60 percent of Africa's total population is engaged in agriculture, and agricultural products constitute a major part of Africa's exports.

Expanding agricultural exports will have an immediate impact on the overall development of the continent's agriculture and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

The zero-tariff policy is a major boon for African countries' exports of agricultural products. It demonstrates China's commitment as a major country to sharing market dividends and pursuing common development with African countries.

To fully leverage the policy, China's customs authorities have rolled out a series of supporting measures to ensure its effective implementation.

African countries need to proactively explore market demand in China and promote their products better among Chinese consumers, many of whom still have a limited understanding of agricultural products from Africa.

Platforms such as the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and the China International Import Expo can be used to showcase African farm produce and expand exports.

Additionally, African exporters need to familiarize themselves with China's inspection and quarantine requirements.

They, as well as Chinese importers, should ensure that the quality and supply of agricultural products are stable. China and African countries should work together for the steady growth of Africa's agricultural exports.

Boosting the development of Africa's agricultural processing industry is also a priority. Exports of primary products entail high transportation costs.

Their transportation calls for high-standard cold chain systems. These products, if processed into peanut oil, sesame oil, fruit juice, dried fruits and other finished goods, will face less stringent access rules from importing countries compared with primary produce.

Processed products are easier to transport, and the added value generated by processing primary products will drive the economic growth of African countries.

The author is a researcher of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Addressing logistics hurdles among Lesotho's priorities

By Mapaballo Lydia Mile

The historic step China took on May 1 by extending zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations is not just a policy adjustment, but also a profound demonstration of China's enduring commitment to Africa's integration into the global economy.

However, while the door to the vast Chinese market is now wide open, many enterprises in Africa currently lack the strength, capacity and logistical support to walk through that door. Let me demonstrate this challenge and the path forward using Lesotho as an example.

First, we must shift from exporting vulnerability to exporting resilience through value addition. Consider Lesotho's wool and mohair industry, which dominates its exports to China. Currently, these products are shipped largely in raw form, leaving us vulnerable to risks such as disease outbreaks that can halt exports entirely.

If entrepreneurs in Lesotho can partner with Chinese investors to build processing capacity domestically, the industry could be de-risked, jobs created and significant value retained within Lesotho.

Second, we must address the logistical hurdles that act as severe non-tariff barriers. For landlocked countries such as Lesotho, geography dictates its trade competitiveness.

Transit through neighboring territories means our exporters face high transport costs, compounded infrastructural constraints and intricate cross-border customs procedures.

This is where the implementation of the zero-tariff policy must be paired with robust trade facilitation. We highly welcome the Chinese customs' launch of the "Green Channel 2.0" for African agricultural and food products, which streamlines registration and optimizes access procedures. By modernizing logistics, improving connectivity and streamlining trade processes, we can dramatically reduce the friction of cross-border trade.

Third, we must leverage technical support to meet rigorous market standards. Zero tariffs will only be beneficial if our products comply with the necessary sanitary and phytosanitary measures, quality standards and certification requirements.

The technical training sessions on capacity building and inspection initiated by the Chinese customs are invaluable steps. We need continued knowledge transfer, certification assistance and guidance, so that our farmers and manufacturers can confidently navigate the rules of origin and market access protocols.

The author is the ambassador of Lesotho to China. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Trade and business bringing people closer

By Liu Shu

Zhejiang is a major province for foreign trade in China. In 2025, its import and export volume with African countries increased by 11.5 percent year-on-year. Jinhua, a city in Zhejiang, is an important hub for trade with African countries. While Jinhua may not be widely known, Yiwu, which is under the jurisdiction of the city, enjoys great popularity.

As a researcher, I propose a few suggestions for seizing the opportunities presented by the zero-tariff policy and advancing people-to-people exchanges between China and African countries.

Efforts should be made to encourage Chinese enterprises to increase imports of high-quality African products and expand their businesses with the African side.

Instead of merely engaging in trade in goods, enterprises need to deepen cooperation in production capacity, industrial park development, logistics and warehousing, and intensive processing of agricultural products. This will help African countries turn their advantage in natural resources into industrial competitiveness, and shift the focus of their exports from raw materials to finished products.

It is essential to take advantage of economic and trade cooperation to deepen and strengthen people-to-people exchanges. The flow of goods and industrial cooperation will help cement the friendship between the two peoples.

As trade and investment cooperation grows stronger, business people, technical teams and young students will visit each other more frequently, enhancing mutual understanding and bridging estrangement through joint work, market alignment and cultural exchanges.

For example, Jinhua, which is home to a large number of business people, and has attracted many African students, conducts China-Africa youth exchanges and vocational training programs on a regular basis. It also hosts the annual Forum on China-Africa Economic, Trade and Cultural Cooperation.

These events have deepened the friendly ties between the people of China and African countries.

The author is the executive dean of the Institute of African Studies of Zhejiang Normal University. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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