CHINA has announced the removal of customs duties on goods from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, a move aimed at boosting African exports and strengthening trade relations.

The announcement came during the Coordinators’ Meeting on the Implementation of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Resolutions, held from June 11–12, 2025, in Changsha, China.

The meeting reviewed progress on the 2024 FOCAC Action Plan and endorsed four new areas of cooperation: enhancing China–Africa trade, implementing selected projects at sub-national levels, declaring 2026 as the Year of People-to-People Cooperation, and adopting a joint resolution opposing trade tariff wars that disproportionately impact developing countries.

In his opening address, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized China’s strategic focus on deepening its partnership with Africa and conveyed greetings from President Xi Jinping. 

He reaffirmed China’s commitment to building strong, long-term cooperation with the continent, especially as FOCAC marks 25 years since its establishment.

Tanzania was represented at the meeting by Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo (MP), who led the country’s delegation. 

His participation reinforced Tanzania’s commitment to engaging actively in multilateral platforms that advance economic diplomacy and regional development.

At the 2024 FOCAC Summit, China introduced 10 priority areas for cooperation between 2025 and 2027, including mutual learning, trade development, industrial partnerships, infrastructure expansion, healthcare, agriculture, security, green growth, and people-to-people exchanges.

To support these initiatives, China pledged USD 50 billion—comprising USD 29 billion in loans, USD 11 billion in aid, and USD 10 billion in public and private investment.

Tanzania has been a key beneficiary of FOCAC through development projects in health, infrastructure, education, technology, livestock, and tourism. Its continued participation underscores the country’s commitment to inclusive national development through strategic international partnerships.