Inside China's expanding partnership with Africa

As Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects accelerate across Africa — upgrading transportation networks, strengthening energy infrastructure and expanding digital connectivity — the scope of China–Africa cooperation is broadening beyond infrastructure alone.

Complementing these advances, China has extended zero-tariff access to exports from all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. Announced in June 2025, the move is widely seen as a way to boost Africa's trade competitiveness while deepening economic ties between the two regions.