Offers Zero-Tariff Access For All African Imports
China – China has reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with Africa, promising deeper economic cooperation and expanded market access for African goods as part of renewed diplomatic engagement with the continent.
Speaking at a press conference on March 8, 2026, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said the relationship between China and Africa has endured decades of global political and economic shifts while continuing to grow stronger.
“China-Africa friendship has stood the test of changing international circumstances and shown strong vitality, noting that for 70 years the two sides have maintained close political and economic ties,” Wang Yi said.
Also, he highlighted a longstanding diplomatic tradition in which China’s foreign minister begins the new year with an official visit to Africa, a practice that has continued for 36 consecutive years.
During his recent visit to Ethiopia and Tanzania earlier this year, Wang Yi said many Africans recalled historic moments that helped shape the partnership, including former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai’s diplomatic outreach to the continent and China’s role in constructing the landmark Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA).
According to Wang Yi, the railway project remains a powerful symbol of cooperation, with many Chinese engineers and workers who participated in its construction sacrificing their lives during the project.
“It’s no exaggeration to say that China-Africa friendship has been passed down from generation to generation, forged heart to heart, and built with sweat and blood,” he said.
The Chinese foreign minister said President Xi Jinping continues to prioritize Africa in China’s foreign policy, emphasizing principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith in cooperation with African nations.
He noted that within the first two months of 2026 alone, President Xi had already sent three major messages to African partners, including a congratulatory letter marking the launch of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, a message to veterans of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, and a congratulatory statement to the African Union Summit for the 14th consecutive year.
Looking ahead, Wang Yi announced several major initiatives expected to shape China-Africa relations in 2026.
Among them is the continued development of what Beijing describes as a China-Africa community with a shared future, which will include high-level exchanges and expanded cooperation across sectors.
In a significant economic move, According to him, China will also grant zero-tariff access for 100 percent of African imports starting May 1, a policy Beijing says will boost trade, create economic opportunities and enable African countries to benefit from the vast Chinese market.
Wang Yi added that nearly 600 cultural and social events will be held throughout the year under the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, aimed at strengthening cultural ties and fostering closer relations between citizens of both sides.
“We are ready to work with our African brothers and sisters to draw inspiration from our civilizational heritages and carry forward our friendship for many generations to come,” Wang Yi said.
