Chinese President Xi Jinping has declared that China will extend zero-tariff treatment to 100% of tariff lines for all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
This move aims to deepen economic ties and enhance trade between China and Africa.
President Xi announced 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).
He stated, “China will also provide more convenience for the least developed countries in Africa to export to China.”
He emphasised that despite global uncertainty and turmoil, China remains committed to opening its markets and creating new opportunities, particularly for Global South partners like Africa, which boasts a vast and growing market.
Xi further reiterated China’s readiness to collaborate with Africa on advancing the “10 partnership actions for modernization,” focusing on strengthening cooperation in key sectors such as green industry, e-commerce and e-payment, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, as well as enhancing collaboration in security, finance, and the rule of law.
These efforts aim to promote the high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation.
Kenya Reaffirms Support for FOCAC and China-Africa Relations
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s strong support for FOCAC, highlighting its transformative impact across Africa.
He noted, “FOCAC has facilitated trade and investment promotions between the African Continental Free Trade Area as we implement the Beijing 2024 Summit Africa-China relations in a concrete and tangible manner.”
Mudavadi said infrastructure projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and regional road networks have significantly enhanced intra-African trade and integration.
He added, “Railway and intra-country roads continue to support national infrastructure development projects and cultural exchanges, cemented with one voice in defence of our common interests.”
He also emphasised that the outcomes of the 2024 Beijing FOCAC Summit incorporated Africa’s views and priorities, reaffirming FOCAC as a platform for fostering a closer Africa-China community and advancing sustainable legislative and security cooperation aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Growing Chinese Investment and Connectivity with Kenya
Kenya’s Ambassador to China, Willy Bett, highlighted the rise in Chinese investor interest following President William Ruto’s state visit in April 2025, which resulted in over 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Kenya and China.
“We are now seeing more investors showing keen interest in investing in Kenya. At the embassy, we are busy clearing more Chinese business people travelling to Kenya,” Bett said.
He also revealed enhanced air connectivity, with China Southern Airlines increasing flights between Changsha and Nairobi to three per week, complementing Kenya Airways’ daily flights to Guangzhou.
Discussions are underway to introduce direct flights from Beijing to Nairobi, projected to further boost trade and tourism.
