China has just thrown open its market to all 53 African countries it officially recognizes, removing tariffs on every export item except from Eswatini, which maintains ties with Taiwan. This is a major leap beyond the previous zero-tariff arrangement for 33 least-developed countries (LDCs), and it signals Beijing’s aggressive bid to rebalance its vast $62 billion trade surplus with Africa. With an eye on upgrading its geopolitical influence, China is now dangling the full weight of its 1.4-billion-consumer market—with free access—to the continent.

In theory, removing tariffs creates momentum for African exporters—from Kenyan tea to Egyptian textiles—to finally access the Chinese market on equal terms with middle-income economies like South Africa and Nigeria. Preliminary numbers show China’s imports from Africa reached about $21.4 billion by March, a 15% jump year-on-year, highlighting rising demand for products like coffee (+70%) and cocoa (+57%). But ease of access doesn’t automatically translate to market gains. Many African economies are still heavily reliant on basic commodities and lack the manufacturing infrastructure or standardized supply chains that would make ‘Made-in-Africa’ exports competitive in China. Middle-income nations may benefit more, while LDCs risk missing out unless they fast-track logistics, quality assurance, and marketing efforts; a need China acknowledges through pledged support on customs, training, and promotion.

China’s move emerges amid growing trade distrust, especially with the U.S., which has imposed new tariffs upwards of 50% on several African countries. Beijing is eager to position itself as a reliable economic partner for Africa, contrasting itself with protectionist Western moves and reinforcing its role as the continent’s largest bilateral lender and infrastructure provider. For African policymakers and exporters, this is a moment to re-examine trade strategies. AfCFTA goals align with this opportunity, if countries leverage this access not just to export more raw materials, but to scale up value-added goods, such as processed food, garments, and light manufacturing. That shift requires infrastructure investment, regulatory incentives, and industrial policy; all areas where many African governments still lag.

China’s sweeping tariff gesture could unlock new pathways for African exporters, but only if they’re ready to engineer that leap. Access to the world’s largest consumer base is a powerful lever that could define the next couple of decades for African markets