Africa Risks Missing Out on China’s Zero-Tariff Opportunity – Edward Boateng

Former Ghanaian Ambassador to China, Mr. Edward Boateng, has warned African governments, private sector actors, and trade institutions to act now or risk losing out on the historic benefits presented by China’s recent zero-tariff policy for African imports. 

His caution follows the Chinese government’s bold move to remove 100% of tariffs on goods from African countries with diplomatic ties, a trade gesture that, if fully leveraged, could significantly boost Africa’s export potential and industrial transformation.

Mr. Boateng, writing in a recent article, called the development a “game-changing trade opportunity” and urged the continent to respond with strategy, urgency, and unity. “If Africa does not organise itself, others will seize the space that should rightly be occupied by African producers,” he said.

At the heart of his warning is the concern that while the zero-tariff policy promises immense opportunities for African economies, the continent risks falling behind without immediate and coordinated efforts to enhance its competitiveness. 

He called for investments in modern infrastructure, raising product quality standards, supporting local entrepreneurs, and reinforcing supply chains and regulatory systems.

The former ambassador emphasized that merely having access to the Chinese market is not enough. African nations must prepare their industries to meet international standards and compete effectively. 

“This is a historic opening. Africa must move with strategy, urgency, and purposefulness to ensure that this policy shift translates into real economic transformation for the continent,” Mr. Boateng stressed.

He added that media houses across the continent should do more to highlight and unpack the implications of China’s zero-tariff initiative, as well as educate businesses and policymakers on how to harness its full potential. “Our media should hail and talk more about this policy initiative and explore how we can drive it to our advantage,” he added.

The former diplomat expressed concern that without a coordinated continental response, Africa risks becoming just a transit hub, exporting raw materials and importing finished goods rather than rising as a global manufacturing and value-adding hub. 

“To fully benefit from China’s zero-tariff policy, African countries must also invest in trade facilitation measures such as modern ports, efficient customs processes, and digital platforms to ensure faster, cheaper, and more competitive export operations,” he added.

He therefore, called on African governments to urgently develop sector-specific strategies that align with this trade window and ensure that local producers are not left behind.

According to Mr. Boateng, while there is optimism about the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the real test lies in implementation. 

He noted that Chinese enterprises are already well positioned across African markets, giving them an advantage in capitalising on both the AfCFTA and China’s tariff removals. “Chinese enterprises are already deeply embedded across African markets, well-positioned in every sector to benefit from this policy, as well as the broader advantages offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” he noted.

The former ambassador urged African nations to move beyond rhetoric and immediately begin aligning national trade strategies with regional policies under the AfCFTA framework. 

He believes this alignment is crucial to strengthening intra-African supply chains and fostering partnerships that can support large-scale exports to China.

Mr. Boateng also called on the private sector to play a proactive role. He challenged African businesses to innovate, expand capacity, and form strategic alliances to penetrate the Chinese market. “We need to close the competitiveness gap now, not later,” he asserted.

He called for urgency, warning that global competitors, particularly in Asia and Latin America are already positioning themselves to take advantage of the zero-tariff opening if Africa delays. “We must not let this be another missed opportunity,” he cautioned.

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