China will apply zero tariffs for exports from the 53 African countries starting May 1

Beijing will expand market access for African exports, applying zero tariffs for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, starting from May 1, according to the state publication CGTN.

China will continue to negotiate and sign economic partnership agreements, modernizing market access mechanisms, including through the "green channel" initiative. This policy targets almost the entire African continent, with the exception of Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The announcement comes in the context of the annual African Union summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where discussions are taking place about security crises in regions such as Sudan, the Sahel, and Somalia, as well as climate actions, economic reforms, and institutional strengthening.