Chinese President Xi Jinping has unveiled a fresh series of preferential trade measures designed to deepen China-Africa cooperation, with a strong emphasis on expanding zero-tariff treatment. The announcement was made in a congratulatory message addressed to the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held in Changsha, Hunan Province, China, on 11 June 2025.
President Xi affirmed China’s readiness to extend zero-tariff treatment to 100% of tariff lines for all 53 African nations with diplomatic ties to Beijing. This would be pursued through economic partnership agreements focused on mutual development.
“Building upon the zero-tariff treatment for 100% tariff lines, China will facilitate greater access to exports from Africa’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to China.
“China is ready to work with the African side to further implement the ‘Ten Partnership Actions’, strengthen cooperation in key areas such as green industries, e-commerce and payment, science and technology, and artificial intelligence.
“It will also deepen cooperation in such fields as security, finance, and the rule of law, and jointly promote high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation.
“These new measures address the most urgent needs and pressing concerns of our African friends, epitomizing the great spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, demonstrating China’s principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith toward Africa,” he said.
Xi described the initiatives as a commitment to shared prosperity and a strategy that will accelerate the implementation of the previous FOCAC Summit’s pledges. He also noted that these actions are expected to significantly boost Africa’s development and strategic autonomy, marking a new chapter in the partnership’s evolution.
Highlighting the current global context, he warned that the rise of unilateralism, protectionism, and anti-globalisation poses serious threats to developing countries, including many across Africa. He stressed that greater unity between China and Africa would help navigate these challenges and promote peace, development, and stability.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi echoed the sentiment, emphasising that China-Africa solidarity is key to enhancing the influence of the Global South and safeguarding fairness and justice in the international system.
“The more complex and turbulent the international landscape becomes, the more imperative it is for China and Africa to strengthen unity and self-reliance, stand firmly on the right side of history, actively steer the course of the times, and address the uncertainty in the world with the stability and resilience of China-Africa relations,” he said.
Nigeria was prominently represented at the forum by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar and Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership. The country also held the position of Guest of Honour at this year’s China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, receiving a warm reception from high-ranking Chinese officials including Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Hunan Province Governor Mao Weiming.
Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Zhang Yi, described the engagements between Nigerian representatives and their Chinese counterparts as fruitful, noting agreements were reached to expand bilateral cooperation. Nigerian officials also held discussions with various Chinese enterprises.
“I believe that in the future, more Chinese enterprises will invest and start businesses in Nigeria, and work together with Nigerian friends to contribute to the economic and social development of Nigeria and realise ‘the Renewed Hope’ agenda,” he said.
Mr Zhang reaffirmed China’s enduring commitment to its African partners, pledging continued collaboration under the Ten Partnership Actions and other newly adopted initiatives. He underlined China’s opposition to the increasing trend of trade restrictions imposed by certain countries and vowed that Beijing would remain open to trade, investment, and cooperation.
Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, read President Xi’s letter at the opening of the meeting. The forum was attended by more than 100 high-level African delegates, representatives from the African Union Commission, and ambassadors from across the continent.
The gathering also issued the China-Africa Changsha Declaration, a document reinforcing the resolve of Global South nations to enhance solidarity, champion justice, and protect their shared interests in the face of rising global instability.
