China Announces Support for Africa, Offering Zero-Tariff Access and Extensive Development Initiatives

The new measures include expanding market access for African agricultural products, enhancing cooperation in e-commerce, and launching a "China-Africa quality enhancement programme."

In a landmark address at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled a series of groundbreaking initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between China and African countries.

President Xi declared that China will unilaterally open its markets wider to African nations by offering zero-tariff treatment on 100% of tariff lines for all least developed countries (LDCs) with diplomatic relations with China, including 33 African nations. This move makes China the first major developing country and economy to undertake such an extensive measure, turning China's vast market into a significant opportunity for Africa.

The new measures include expanding market access for African agricultural products, enhancing cooperation in e-commerce, and launching a "China-Africa quality enhancement programme." China is also committed to entering framework agreements on economic partnerships, supporting long-term trade and investment stability between the two regions.

President Xi announced plans to undertake 30 infrastructure connectivity projects in Africa, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and establish a network featuring integrated land-sea links. Additionally, China will assist in developing the African Continental Free Trade Area and improve logistics and financial cooperation to benefit trans-regional development in Africa.

Other significant initiatives include launching 30 clean energy projects, developing meteorological early warning systems, and supporting disaster prevention, mitigation, and biodiversity conservation efforts. China will also establish a forum on the peaceful use of nuclear technology, create 30 joint laboratories, and collaborate on satellite remote sensing and space exploration.

In the healthcare sector, China plans to set up a hospital alliance and joint medical centers, dispatch 2,000 medical personnel to Africa, and launch 20 health facility and malaria treatment programs. China will also support African pharmaceutical production and public health initiatives, including the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

China will provide RMB1 billion yuan in emergency food assistance, establish 100,000 mu (about 6,670 hectares) of standardized agriculture demonstration areas, send 500 agricultural experts, and create a China-Africa agricultural science and technology innovation alliance. Additionally, China will implement 500 community welfare programs and encourage mutual investment to create at least one million jobs in Africa.

On security, China is ready to build a partnership with Africa for implementing the Global Security Initiative (GSI). This includes RMB1 billion yuan in military assistance, training for 6,000 military and 1,000 police personnel, and joint military exercises and patrols.

To support these extensive projects, China will provide RMB360 billion yuan over the next three years, comprising RMB210 billion yuan in credit lines, RMB80 billion yuan in various forms of assistance, and at least RMB70 billion yuan in investment by Chinese companies. China will also support Africa in issuing panda bonds and establish a platform for governance experience sharing, including 25 centers on China and Africa studies.

These ambitious initiatives underscore China’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with Africa and driving mutual growth and development.