China will remove import tariffs on goods from Nigeria and almost all other African countries starting May 1, President Xi Jinping announced on Saturday. The move is expected to boost trade and economic opportunities for the continent.
The zero-tariff policy will cover nearly all African nations except Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan. China already offers tariff-free access to goods from 33 African countries but had pledged last year to extend the policy to all 53 countries with which it has diplomatic relations.
Xi said the policy “will create new opportunities for African development,” highlighting China’s role as a key trading partner and supporter of major infrastructure projects across Africa through the Belt and Road Initiative.
The announcement came as African leaders gathered in Ethiopia for the annual African Union summit. Many countries are increasingly seeking alternative trade partnerships following the United States’ introduction of steep tariffs worldwide last year.
Analysts say the tariff removal could encourage more African exports to China, strengthen trade ties, and support economic growth across the continent.
