Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie said that gaining access to the vast Chinese market through a zero-tariff arrangement will drive Africa’s export-led growth.
The zero-tariff policy, introduced in China’s Five-Year Development Plan adopted in 2026, is expected to boost African export earnings and fill the gap left by the expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Speaking at the China–Africa Entrepreneurship Summit held in Addis Ababa, the President said the importance of the zero-tariff policy extends beyond China and Africa, as it can help mitigate global supply chain challenges.
The President highlighted the mutual benefits of the policy, noting that Africa gains access to the vast Chinese market, while Chinese investors secure a strategic foothold in a continent of 1.4 billion people.
Referring to 2026 as the year of China–Africa People-to-People Exchange, he emphasized that China–Africa engagement does not carry elements of exploitation.
“This reflects the ideal Africa has long been seeking—a relationship that views partnership not as an instrument of extraction, but as a catalyst for building a community with a shared future.”
The President further noted that current geoeconomic uncertainty, characterized by intense competition for strategic minerals driven by narrow self-interest, often disregards Africa’s sustainable future.
However, according to him, China–Africa cooperation is grounded in mutual development through trade, investment, and innovation. He stressed that entrepreneurship is a primary driver of development, adding that Africa holds immense potential to integrate every sector into the agro-industrial value chain.
In addition to the zero-tariff policy, the President underscored the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in boosting business opportunities.
“Ethiopia has already commenced trading under the AfCFTA framework and is implementing the investment protocol to unlock manufacturing and logistics opportunities.”
Head of Mission of China to AU, Ambassador Jiang Feng, who also attended the event, said China considers Africa a sincere friend and reliable partner.
He added that Chinese President Xi Jinping is committed to further deepening China–Africa cooperation.
The Ambassador noted that China is actively supporting Africa in infrastructure, clean energy, and SME empowerment programs, aligning with the African Union Agenda 2063, which identifies manufacturing, trade, infrastructure connectivity, and digital development as key priorities.
China remains consistent in fulfilling its cooperation commitments to Africa, he added.
“Starting from May 1, 2026, China will implement 100% zero-tariff measures on all tariff-line products from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties. This will transform the vast Chinese market into a major opportunity for high-quality African products.”
The Ambassador also noted that trade between China and Africa reached a record $348 billion in 2025, urging African countries to take full advantage of the zero-tariff opportunity.
Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said Africa should emulate China’s transformation in the agricultural sector. He added that sectors such as energy, mining, infrastructure, trade, and digital trade form interconnected value chains that can drive broader development.
China and Africa have enjoyed a “strategic partnership” for over two decades, the Chairperson noted, highlighting that continental integration through AfCFTA aligns with the long-term vision of Agenda 2063.
