China has announced plans to grant zero-tariff treatment to all African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with it, a move expected to boost trade and economic cooperation across the continent.

According to the announcement reported by the Chinese online publication XINHUANET, Namibia is among the countries set to benefit from the expanded policy, which will allow goods exported to China to enter the market duty-free, creating new opportunities for local producers and exporters.

Chinese authorities say the arrangement will take effect on May 1, 2026, and will run until April 2028. 

The policy extends preferential access to all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to China, including those previously excluded.

Officials in Beijing say the decision is intended to strengthen economic relations with Africa while widening access for African products in the Chinese market.

The zero-tariff policy follows a 2024 initiative that granted similar trade access to least developed African countries.

China’s Commerce Ministry has described the expanded arrangement as a key step towards deeper trade cooperation and long-term economic partnership between China and African nations.

The initiative is also expected to support Africa’s development goals at a time when global trade is facing rising protectionist pressures.

Namibia-China relations are strong, defined by a 2018 comprehensive strategic partnership focusing on economic cooperation, mining, and infrastructure, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative.

China is Namibia's largest trading partner and investor, key in uranium mining and importing Namibian beef under new zero-tariff policies.