Experts have described China's expanded zero-tariff arrangement for African exports as more than a trade measure, saying the initiative signals a broader shift toward long-term South-South cooperation aimed at strengthening Africa's industrial capacity, regional integration and its role in global value chains.

According to some policymakers, the zero-tariff measures, which took effect for the 53 African countries with which China has diplomatic relations from May 1, could provide new opportunities for African economies to diversify exports, expand manufacturing and deepen trade cooperation with Beijing. However, they have stressed that long-term success will depend on Africa's ability to strengthen industrial capacity, logistics systems, skills development and regional value chains.

China had previously implemented a zero tariff policy for the 33 least developed African countries from December 2024.

Tang Xiaoyang, chair and professor in the Department of International Relations at Beijing's Tsinghua University, said the policy should be viewed as a long-term framework for economic cooperation among developing countries rather than a short-term aid program.

"I think the spirit of South-South cooperation is equality and mutual benefit," Tang said during a webinar, noting that the zero-tariff arrangement is intended to encourage future trade and investment rather than function as charity.

Tang said the initiative differs from previous preferential trade arrangements offered by some Western economies because it comes without political conditions. He added that while agricultural products such as coffee, fruits and seafood are likely to benefit first, the broader objective is to support industrial growth and value-chain integration between African countries and China.

According to Tang, the countries added to the expanded arrangement — including Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Ghana — already possess relatively stronger export and manufacturing capacities that could help drive wider regional industrial development through supply chains and investment spillovers.

He said the long-term goal should be deeper value-chain integration that facilitates the movement of trade, technology, capital and industrial cooperation between China and African economies.

"We are doing something in another direction, which will be more promising for the Global South to develop together," Tang said.

Mikatekiso Kubayi, a South African international relations and global affairs expert, described the policy as an important opportunity for African countries to strengthen economic self-reliance and industrial development amid growing global uncertainty.

Kubayi pointed to the arrival of South African citrus exports in China under the new policy as an early sign of the opportunities the initiative could create for African producers.

However, he said African countries should move beyond simply exporting raw materials and instead use the opportunity to expand innovation, industrial production and technological capabilities.

Kubayi said deeper cooperation with China in research, technology and innovation could help African economies become active contributors to global production networks rather than primarily consumers of imported technologies.

Despite the optimism surrounding the policy, some cautioned that tariff-free access alone would not automatically translate into development gains unless African countries strengthen productive readiness and competitiveness.

Wang Jinjie, research professor at the National School of Development and the Institute of Area Studies at Peking University, said the biggest challenge for African economies is no longer just market access, but the ability to convert opportunity into sustainable industrial growth.

"Opportunity doesn't equal a development outcome by itself," Wang said, adding many African countries continue to face constraints including weak logistics systems, limited processing capacity, skills shortages, high transportation costs and insufficient quality-control infrastructure.

Wang argued that the zero-tariff initiative should be accompanied by expanded vocational training, certification systems, digital trade platforms and industrial partnerships to help African exporters meet Chinese market standards.

She highlighted the growing number of Luban Workshops established through China-Africa cooperation, saying the programs could help equip African youth with technical and vocational skills linked to manufacturing, agribusiness and emerging industries.

Rosemary Mnongya, senior researcher at the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory, urged African governments to shift "from access to advantage" by focusing on value addition and regional industrial cooperation.

She said African countries should make greater use of the African Continental Free Trade Area to strengthen regional production networks and improve competitiveness in the Chinese market.

Mnongya cited examples such as processing Tanzanian avocados into avocado oil and using Tanzanian cotton in Ethiopian garment manufacturing before exporting finished products to China under the tariff-free arrangement.

She also emphasized the importance of technical training partnerships, special economic zones and compliance with Chinese sanitary and quality standards to help African exporters move beyond raw commodity trade.

sharon@chinadailyafrica.com