African countries are increasingly leveraging the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) to strengthen trade ties with China, showcase export products, and explore new investment and supply chain cooperation opportunities.
Exhibitors from countries including Angola, Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Ghana, and Kenya presented a wide range of agricultural and manufactured goods such as coffee, cocoa, fruits, leather products, ceramics, and handmade crafts.
African Exports Gain Visibility at CISCE
At the 4th CISCE, African exhibitors highlighted their growing ambition to expand into the Chinese market by directly engaging with buyers and industry partners.
Products on display included:
- Coffee, sesame, legumes, and spices from Ethiopia
- Cocoa products and handicrafts from Côte d’Ivoire
- Fresh fruits such as avocados, passion fruit, and pineapples from Kenya
- Leather goods, ceramics, and cultural artworks from multiple African countries
Exhibitors said the platform allows them to better understand Chinese consumer demand while promoting African products to a large and growing market.
Zero-Tariff Policy Drives Trade Expansion
A key driver of increased participation is China’s zero-tariff treatment for African exports, which has significantly improved market access.
Under the policy framework:
- China eliminated tariffs on 100% of tariff lines for imports from 33 least developed African countries starting December 2024
- From May 2026 to April 2028, China will extend zero-tariff treatment to 20 African non-LDC countries with diplomatic ties
This policy has reduced trade barriers and encouraged African exporters to scale up shipments to China.
African Exporters Report Stronger Market Access
African business representatives say the policy has already improved trade outcomes and investment interest.
Ethiopian officials noted that exports of coffee, sesame, pulses, and related agricultural goods have increased in both volume and value due to improved competitiveness in the Chinese market.
Exporters from Kenya highlighted growing demand for agricultural products such as avocados and tropical fruits, with increased inquiries from Chinese buyers following tariff reductions.
Value Addition and Industrial Growth
Companies from Côte d’Ivoire also emphasized how participation in CISCE has helped drive investment in value-added processing, including plans for cocoa processing facilities.
Instead of exporting raw commodities, African producers are increasingly seeking to process goods locally to capture more value before exporting to China and other markets.
Strengthening Africa–China Supply Chain Cooperation
African exhibitors view CISCE as a key platform for building long-term supply chain partnerships with Chinese firms across agriculture, manufacturing, and trade logistics.
The event enables direct engagement between African producers and Chinese consumers and businesses, helping align African exports with market demand while encouraging investment into African production and processing capacity.
As global trade becomes increasingly competitive, African countries are using China’s expanding market access policies to diversify export destinations and strengthen industrial development.
China’s zero-tariff approach is contributing to deeper trade integration, increased agricultural exports, and growing investment flows between Africa and China, particularly in value-added industries and agribusiness supply chains.
African countries are expanding trade opportunities at the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) by showcasing agricultural and manufactured goods to Chinese buyers. Supported by China’s zero-tariff policy for African exports, countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire report increased exports, stronger market access, and new investment opportunities. The policy is also encouraging value addition and deeper Africa–China supply chain cooperation.