Nigeria to Benefit as China Rolls Out Zero-Tariff Policy for Africa
Nigeria is among 53 African countries set to benefit from a full zero-tariff trade policy as China begins implementation of its economic cooperation plan under the Changsha Declaration.
Announced by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, the move follows a high-level meeting in Changsha between Chinese officials and African foreign ministers, and aligns with the broader goals of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
“We, the representatives of the People’s Republic of China, 53 African countries and the African Union Commission… gathered in Changsha to advance the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration on jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era,” the ministry stated.
The zero-tariff plan, expected to cover 100 per cent of tariff lines, aims to support African exports, boost trade, and promote sustainable development across the continent.
“China is ready to… expand the zero-tariff treatment for 100 per cent tariff lines to all 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China… to welcome quality products from Africa to the Chinese market,” the statement added.
China also pledged support for the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which focuses on industrialisation and economic transformation.
“China is ready to work with Africa to deepen the implementation of the ten partnership actions for modernisation… and enhance cooperation in security, finance and the rule of law, to promote high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation,” the statement read.
President Bola Tinubu had previously signed five MoUs with China in September 2024. Nigeria’s foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed in January that the agreements are at different stages of implementation.
