African countries are entering a pivotal moment in their trade relationship with China. In June 2025, China launched the China–Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development, granting zero-tariff treatment on 100% of products to 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China. This landmark move fulfils commitments made at the Ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit in September 2024 and marks a significant expansion of market access for African exports.
While this development represents an important shift, expanded duty-free access alone does not automatically translate into long-term economic transformation. Past experiences with preferential trade arrangements have shown that without clear structure, strategy, and negotiation, such opportunities can fall short of delivering sustained industrial growth and value addition.
At the same time, this moment presents a unique opening. By responding to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce’s call for more innovative trade agreements, African governments are not simply recipients of market access but active participants in shaping how these trade relationships evolve. This creates space for African policymakers to define the rules, pace, and priorities of engagement in ways that reflect domestic development goals and regional ambitions.
It is natural for African leaders to approach deeper trade engagement with a rapidly growing economy like China with caution. However, with the right approach, these negotiations can be steered towards highly favourable outcomes. By proactively shaping the terms of engagement, African countries can ensure that trade becomes a tool for strengthening local industries, promoting value addition, and advancing broader economic transformation across the continent.
This policy brief sets out a clear framework for how African countries can move beyond preferential access and translate current commitments into stable, long-term trade arrangements. It outlines practical negotiation pillars that support a shift from passive participation to active agency, enabling African governments to secure more balanced, strategic, and development-oriented partnerships with China.
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Date published: March 5, 2026
