China Unveils Strategic New Preferential Measures to Deepen Africa Partnership, A Bold Leap Toward Shared Modernization and Deepened Autonomy.
By Raymond Enoch
In Changsha, Hunan Province, China reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Africa with the launch of groundbreaking preferential measures aimed at accelerating the continent’s development and deepening China-Africa cooperation.
At the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators for the Implementation of the Outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter underscoring the historic ties binding China and Africa. More than 100 ministerial-level officials from African nations, alongside representatives of the African Union Commission and ambassadors, gathered to chart the next phase of this vital partnership.
The meeting reviewed the impressive progress made since last year’s Beijing Summit and emphasized the urgent need to enhance collaboration around President Xi’s Six Proposals for Joint Modernization and the ‘Ten Partnership Actions’. Central to the gathering was the issuance of the China-Africa Changsha Declaration, which called for reinforced solidarity within the Global South to uphold fairness, justice, and shared prosperity on the international stage.
President Xi’s letter unveiled a series of bold initiatives designed to deepen economic ties and support African development priorities. Among the key measures, China announced it will expand zero-tariff treatment to cover 100% of tariff lines for all 53 African countries with diplomatic relations. This unprecedented tariff exemption promises to significantly boost African exports to China, particularly from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), enhancing their access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
Further, China pledged to intensify cooperation in critical sectors such as green industries, e-commerce, science and technology, artificial intelligence, security, finance, and the rule of law. These initiatives aim to foster sustainable, high-quality growth and empower Africa’s strategic autonomy.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that this strengthened partnership is a vital counterbalance to rising global protectionism, unilateralism, and geopolitical instability, which disproportionately affect developing nations. “When China and Africa stand shoulder to shoulder, the Global South’s development and revitalization gain greater promise,” Wang remarked.
Nigeria, as Guest of Honor at this year’s China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, exemplifies the deepening ties between the two continents. Led by Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, the Nigerian delegation secured key agreements and high-level support from Chinese officials to further bilateral cooperation. This partnership is poised to catalyze investments and collaborative ventures that align with Nigeria’s ambitious ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
As some global players retreat behind trade barriers and aid restrictions, China’s approach signals openness, mutual benefit, and a forward-looking vision for inclusive development. “China will always be the most trustworthy friend and partner of Nigeria and Africa,” affirmed Mr. Zhang Yi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.
This new chapter in China-Africa relations promises to elevate cooperation to unprecedented heights, delivering tangible benefits to millions while fortifying the unity and resilience of the Global South amid a turbulent international landscape.
