China will impose zero tariffs on imports from 53 African countries from May 1, President Xi Jinping announced Saturday.
Xi delivered the pledge in a congratulatory message to the African Union during its annual summit.
The policy applies to every African nation maintaining diplomatic relations with Beijing, covering nearly the entire continent.
Africa has 54 countries, and only one lacks formal diplomatic ties with China.
According to state news agency Xinhua, Beijing will accelerate negotiations on economic partnership agreements for shared development.
China will also expand access for African exports by upgrading a streamlined “green channel” system.
Xi described the move as part of deepening cooperation between China and the Global South.
“The world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century,” Xi said in his message.
He praised the African Union for safeguarding Africa’s rights and strengthening continental integration.
Xi said Africa’s international influence has continued to rise amid shifting global dynamics.
China remains committed to promoting world peace and advancing common development, he added.
Beijing aims to build what Xi called a “community with a shared future for humanity.”
He said China stands ready to deepen what he described as a historical friendship with Africa.
Xi pledged to expand mutually beneficial cooperation and strengthen mutual understanding in a new era.
The African Union is holding its two-day summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Leaders are reviewing major security crises, including conflicts in Sudan, the Sahel region, and Somalia.
Climate action, economic reform, and institutional strengthening also dominate discussions.
Against this backdrop of uncertainty and ambition, China’s tariff pledge adds a bold economic note to the gathering.