Accra: The AfriKan Continental Union Consult (ACUC) has praised China for granting zero-tariff access to African countries, suggesting this move signifies a fundamental shift away from exploitation. Dr. Benjamin Anyagre Aziginaateeg, Chief Executive Officer of ACUC, emphasized that China’s approach reflects a genuine partnership rather than exploitation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Aziginaateeg highlighted that the elimination of tariffs, coupled with infrastructure investments and capacity-building programs, underscores a comprehensive strategy for mutual development and shared prosperity. He cited quantifiable outcomes from infrastructure projects, increased trade volumes, and enhanced agricultural productivity as evidence of the partnership’s profound impact on African economic development and sovereignty.
He noted that China’s international policy of win-win interest has significantly bolstered trade cooperation within the Global South, directly benefiting African states. The plan to eliminate tariffs on imports from African countries reflects a tangible commitment rather than mere aspiration.
“As of June 2025, China has pledged to remove all tariffs on imports from 53 African nations, covering 100% of taxable products,” he stated. “This represents the most extensive trade liberalization package offered by a major economy to an entire continent, supporting shared prosperity and industrial growth across Africa.”
Dr. Aziginaateeg explained that the zero-tariff policy is expected to significantly boost African GDP growth through increased export revenues and job creation. This approach ensures equal benefits for all African nations with diplomatic relations, fostering continental economic integration, in contrast to the selective trade preferences practiced by other countries.
“This marks a departure from Western economic measures that hinder African growth,” he added. “The Western approach often involves conditional aid and structural adjustment programs, keeping African economies dependent. In contrast, China’s approach offers unconditional market access, infrastructure investment, and technology transfer without political strings attached.”
He highlighted that China’s contributions extend beyond trade to infrastructure development in energy, transportation, and water management. In Ghana, notable projects include the Bui Dam and Volta River projects, alongside skill training initiatives for youth in agriculture and aviculture sectors.
China annually trains approximately 10,000 African officials in agricultural and development techniques, through programs like the China Agricultural University Youth of Excellence Scheme, aimed at young African agricultural researchers.
“Grassroots agricultural education programs enhance productivity, reduce import dependency, and ensure food sovereignty,” Dr. Aziginaateeg said. “These programs address unemployment challenges through practical skill development rather than theoretical education.”
Chinese agricultural cooperation emphasizes increasing local production through technology transfer, including drought-resistant crops and efficient farming techniques, addressing the dependency of many African nations on imported food.
Dr. Aziginaateeg noted that China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for 15 years, investing over $700 billion in infrastructure, reducing reliance on Western financial institutions with restrictive conditions.
“This China-Africa partnership model provides a replicable framework for South-South cooperation, challenging the traditional North-South dependency model,” he said.
The recent meeting in Changsha resulted in the China-Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity, urging the United States to resolve trade tensions through dialogue. The declaration, with participation from 53 African states and the African Union, represents a significant endorsement of South-South cooperation principles, with broad continental support.