China has announced a raft of new measures aimed at deepening trade and economic cooperation with Africa — including the expansion of zero-tariff treatment for goods from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing.
President Xi Jinping unveiled the measures in a message delivered at the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held in Changsha, China.
According to the Chinese leader, the new initiatives will accelerate Africa's export access to China, especially for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), under a 100% zero-tariff policy. He said China is prepared to establish economic partnerships that focus on shared development while advancing modernization across the continent.
President Xi added that the support would extend into strategic areas such as green industries, e-commerce, digital payments, artificial intelligence, security, finance, and rule of law — all under the "Ten Partnership Actions" blueprint for China-Africa engagement.
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"This is not only about economic benefits," the Chinese president said. "It's about promoting Africa's strategic autonomy, strengthening South-South cooperation, and driving inclusive development."
He also warned that rising global protectionism and unilateralism continue to pose serious risks to the stability of developing economies. "Only when China and Africa join hands to pursue modernization can we help reshape global fairness and prosperity," he said.
At the event, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi echoed these sentiments, noting that the current international instability demands even stronger solidarity between China and African nations.
Nigeria, which served as the Guest of Honor at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, received special recognition. The Nigerian delegation, led by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar and the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, Joseph Tegbe, held high-level meetings with Chinese officials and investors.
According to China's Chargé d'Affaires in Nigeria, Mr. Zhang Yi, Hunan Province officials and top Chinese enterprises engaged in discussions with the Nigerian team, reaching new consensus on deepening trade and investment cooperation.
Mr. Yi said more Chinese businesses are expected to establish operations in Nigeria, aligning with the Federal Government's Renewed Hope agenda.
He reiterated China's continued commitment to mutual development, pledging that China would remain Africa's most dependable partner.
The forum ended with the Changsha Declaration, calling for stronger South-South cooperation, equity in global trade, and shared prosperity — a message hailed by over 100 ministerial-level delegates, African Union representatives, and ambassadors in attendance.
