The Ghana China Friendship Association (GhaChiFa) has called for stronger support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to help African exporters fully benefit from China’s expanded zero-tariff policy.
Dr Samuel Nii-Noi Ashong, a finance expert, made the call at a forum organised by GhaChiFa in Accra to discuss the economic implications of China’s decision to extend zero-tariff treatment to African countries with diplomatic ties.
He explained that the policy, which takes effect on May 1, 2026, would open a wider window for African exports, including those from middle-income economies such as Ghana, and could significantly increase trade volumes between Africa and China.
However, Dr Ashong stressed that removing tariffs alone would not automatically translate into export growth unless structural trade barriers were addressed across the continent.
According to him, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) must play a stronger role in reducing non-tariff barriers that continue to limit the competitiveness of African goods in global markets.
He identified key challenges including poor transport and logistics systems, weak digital customs processes, limited trade facilitation, and difficulties in meeting international product standards.
Dr Ashong said African countries must also invest in stronger financial systems to support exporters, including improving access to trade finance and expanding digital payment platforms that make cross-border transactions easier.
Delivering the keynote address at the forum, he noted that China’s zero-tariff initiative signalled a strategic shift from a relationship dominated by raw material exports to one that could support industrial development and value addition in Africa.
He urged African countries, particularly Ghana, to focus on processing raw materials locally before exporting in order to maximise the benefits of the new trade opportunity.
Dr Ashong further called for stronger cooperation between China and African countries in areas such as logistics infrastructure, digital customs systems, packaging, branding, and compliance with international standards.
On financial challenges, he encouraged stronger support for initiatives such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, which he said could help reduce dependence on foreign currencies and make it easier for African exporters to trade competitively.
Mr Li Yao Hong, Economic Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Ghana, said China’s comprehensive zero-tariff policy demonstrated its commitment to strengthening economic relations with African countries and supporting their development goals.
He said industrialisation remained key to Africa’s long-term economic transformation and noted that China would continue to deepen investment cooperation to support the continent’s industrial growth.
Mr Benjamin Anyagre, General Secretary of GhaChiFa, said the new zero-tariff policy would create fresh opportunities for African exporters and strengthen long-standing Ghana-China relations.
He said the forum brought together key public and private sector stakeholders, including representatives from the Registrar General’s Department, the Ghana Standards Authority, the Ghana Shippers Authority, and security agencies, to discuss how Ghana could maximise the benefits of the policy while addressing the barriers that continue to limit export growth.
