China Grants Tariff Exemptions to 53 African Countries: Xi Sends Congratulations to AU Summit

Kathmandu — Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent congratulatory messages to the rotating Chairperson of the African Union, Angolan President João Lourenço, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on the occasion of the 39th African Union Summit. In his message, President Xi extended warm congratulations to the African countries and their peoples.

In the congratulatory message, President Xi noted that the world is undergoing rapid changes unseen in a century, and that the strength of the Global South (developing nations) has grown significantly. He praised the African Union for maintaining unity over the past year, actively advancing the integration process among African countries, and safeguarding Africa’s legitimate rights and interests. He also stated that the AU’s international standing and influence continue to rise.

President Xi emphasized that in a world filled with transformation and turbulence, China remains committed to safeguarding world peace, promoting shared development, and advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

In the most significant part of the message, President Xi announced that starting May 1, 2026, China will implement a comprehensive zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China. He further stated that China will continue to advance negotiations and the signing of economic partnership agreements for shared development, and upgrade “green lanes” to further expand access for African exports to the Chinese market.

The Chinese President expressed confidence that these new measures to expand high-level opening-up will provide fresh opportunities for Africa’s development and for the joint pursuit of modernization by China and Africa.

Marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and African countries, President Xi recalled that both sides have always stood together through good times and hardships, moving forward shoulder to shoulder. He affirmed that China is ready to work with Africa to carry forward their historic friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance mutual understanding and goodwill, and jointly write a new chapter of an all-weather China–Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

This historic announcement is believed to elevate economic and diplomatic relations between China and Africa to new heights.