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In a significant policy announcement aimed at strengthening economic ties with Africa, Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced that China is prepared to implement zero-tariff treatment for 100 per cent of tariff lines for 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with Beijing.
The announcement was made in a letter addressed to ministers attending the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of Follow-Up Actions of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
“China will also provide more convenience for the least developed countries in Africa to export to China,” said Xi, stressing that despite global uncertainty and turmoil, China remains committed to opening up and offering new opportunities, particularly to Global South partners like Africa, which has a vast market.
President Xi reiterated China’s readiness to collaborate with Africa to deepen the implementation of the 10 partnership actions for modernization, strengthen cooperation in key areas such as green industry, e-commerce and e-payment, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, and enhance collaboration in security, finance, and the rule of law to promote high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation.
Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, who is participating in the Ministerial talks, reaffirmed Kenya’s strong support for FOCAC, citing its transformative impact across Africa.
“FOCAC has facilitated trade and investment promotions between Africa Continental Free Trade Area as we implement the Beijing 2024 Summit Africa-China relations in a concrete and tangible manner within South facilitated people to people exchanges through tourism, culture, said Mudavadi.
“Railway and intra-countries roads continue to support national cemented with one voice in defense of our common interests: the right infrastructure development projects and cultural exchanges. For benefits to both Africa and China since its inception 25 years ago,” Mudavadi explained.
He noted that projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and regional road networks have enhanced intra-Africa trade and integration. He underscored the relevance of FOCAC in implementing Agenda 2063, the African Union’s development blueprint.
Mudavadi also highlighted that the outcomes of the 2024 Beijing FOCAC Summit have incorporated Africa’s views and priorities, asserting that FOCAC remains a crucial vehicle for fostering a closer Africa-China community and increasing sustainable legislative and security cooperation.
Kenya’s Ambassador to China, Willy Bett, also highlighted the growing interest among Chinese investors in Kenya, particularly following President William Ruto’s state visit in April, which resulted in the signing of over 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the two countries.
“We are now seeing more investors showing keen interest to invest in Kenya, at the embassy, we are busy clearing more Chinese business people traveling to Kenya,” said Bett.
He revealed that China Southern Airlines has increased its flights between Changsha and Nairobi to three per week, complementing Kenya Airways’ daily flights to Guangzhou. He also disclosed that discussions are underway to introduce direct flights from Beijing to Nairobi, further boosting trade and tourism.
