Addis Ababa, May 30, 2026 (FMC) — China’s decision to extend zero-tariff treatment to African countries with diplomatic ties is poised to unlock new opportunities for industrialization, trade growth, and economic transformation across the continent, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to China, Tefera Derbew Yimam, has said.
In an interview with China’s state-owned Global Times on the occasion of Africa Day and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries, Ambassador Tefera said the policy reflects China’s continued commitment to supporting Africa’s development aspirations through practical economic cooperation.
The ambassador noted that enhanced access to the Chinese market could help African countries expand exports, strengthen manufacturing capacity, and accelerate industrial development by enabling greater participation in regional and global value chains.
He emphasized that Africa’s long-term development agenda is closely linked to industrialization, value addition, and economic diversification, adding that measures aimed at improving market access and promoting trade would play an important role in advancing these objectives.
According to the ambassador, China has remained one of Africa’s most important development partners, with cooperation spanning infrastructure, industrial development, agriculture, technology transfer, human resource development, and investment promotion.
He highlighted the growing role of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and translating shared development priorities into concrete projects and outcomes across the continent.
For Ethiopia, cooperation with China has contributed significantly to the country’s economic modernization efforts, particularly in infrastructure development, industrial park construction, manufacturing expansion, and agricultural transformation, Ambassador Tefera said.
He noted that Ethiopia continues to view its partnership with China as an important pillar of its broader development strategy, pointing to the tangible benefits generated through decades of bilateral cooperation.
The ambassador further underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration in emerging sectors, including digital technology, green development, innovation, and industrial upgrading, as African countries seek to build resilient and competitive economies.
Reflecting on the broader trajectory of Africa-China relations, Ambassador Tefera said the partnership has evolved into a comprehensive framework founded on mutual respect, solidarity, and a shared commitment to development.
He added that cooperation between Africa and China has increasingly focused on practical outcomes that support economic growth, job creation, infrastructure connectivity, and improved livelihoods across the continent.
The remarks were made during events held in Beijing to commemorate Africa Day, which this year coincided with celebrations marking seven decades of diplomatic engagement between China and African countries.
The commemorations brought together diplomats, government officials, business representatives, and development partners to reflect on the achievements of Africa-China relations and explore new avenues for cooperation in support of sustainable development and shared prosperity.
China’s recently expanded zero-tariff policy has been widely viewed as a significant step toward deepening economic ties with Africa and supporting the continent’s efforts to enhance competitiveness, increase exports, and advance industrialization.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts by China and African countries to strengthen economic cooperation under the FOCAC framework and build a higher level of Africa-China partnership capable of delivering long-term development gains for both sides.