China Unveils New Preferential Measures for Africa at High-Level Forum in Changsha

By Iyojo Ameh

China has unveiled a new set of preferential measures to deepen its economic and strategic ties with Africa, as top officials and diplomats from across the continent gathered in Changsha, Hunan Province, for the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The high-level forum, held on June 11, brought together more than 100 ministerial-level officials from African nations, ambassadors, and representatives from the African Union Commission. It was convened to review the progress made since the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit and to coordinate the implementation of joint modernization efforts through the “Six Proposals” and the “Ten Partnership Actions” introduced by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

President Xi sent a congratulatory letter to the gathering, delivered at the opening ceremony by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. In the letter, Xi reaffirmed China’s longstanding commitment to Africa and announced new initiatives aimed at boosting trade and development across the continent.

Key Measures Announced

The major announcements include:

1. Expansion of Zero-Tariff Access: China pledged to extend zero-tariff treatment to 100% of tariff lines for all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, under new agreements for shared economic development.

2. Enhanced Market Access for LDCs: Special facilitation will be given to exports from Africa’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs), aiming to significantly increase their access to the Chinese market.

3. Broadened Strategic Cooperation: China intends to deepen cooperation in a range of critical areas, including green industries, e-commerce and payment systems, science and technology, artificial intelligence, security, finance, and the rule of law.

These efforts, Chinese officials say, are designed to meet Africa’s most pressing development needs, while reinforcing China’s principle of “sincerity, real results, amity and good faith” in its international partnerships.

Changsha Declaration and South-South Solidarity

The meeting culminated in the issuance of the China-Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South, a joint statement reinforcing the collective resolve of developing nations to uphold fairness, justice, and shared interests in the face of global challenges including unilateralism and protectionism.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized in his speech that unity between China and Africa would strengthen the voice of the Global South and offer a stabilizing force amid international uncertainty. “The more complex and turbulent the international landscape becomes, the more imperative it is for China and Africa to strengthen unity and self-reliance,” he said.

Nigeria Receives High-Level Attention as Guest of Honor

Nigeria played a prominent role in the Changsha event, serving as the Guest of Honor at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, which was held alongside the Coordinators’ Meeting. The Nigerian delegation was led by Foreign Minister H.E. Yusuf Tuggar and H.E. Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership.

During their visit, the Nigerian delegation engaged in high-level discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Hunan Province Governor Mao Weiming. Talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and strategic partnerships.

The Nigerian team also held meetings with several Chinese companies, exploring opportunities for future investment in Nigeria. Officials expressed optimism that more Chinese enterprises would establish operations in Nigeria, contributing to economic development and aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

A New Chapter in China-Africa Relations

China’s outreach comes at a time when many African nations are grappling with reduced foreign aid and increased trade barriers from other parts of the world. Despite rising geopolitical tensions and shifting global alliances, China reaffirmed its intention to remain a steadfast ally and economic partner to Africa.

“In an era where some countries are cutting aid and erecting trade barriers, China is promoting openness and inclusivity,” the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria stated in a release. “We remain committed to high-quality development through the Belt and Road Initiative and to elevating China-Africa partnerships to new heights.”

As implementation of the FOCAC outcomes continues, China reiterated its readiness to work hand-in-hand with Nigeria and other African partners, promising to support their modernization journeys through mutually beneficial cooperation.