Accra: China's newly announced zero-tariff policy for African exports is expected to create major opportunities for Ghanaian products and boost industrial transformation. The zero-tariff policy, effective May 1, 2026, permits duty-free entry of all products from 53 African countries into China, making it the first major economy to grant such treatment continent-wide.
According to Ghana News Agency, speaking at his first press briefing in Accra, Mr. Cong Song, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, said the initiative formed part of China's efforts to expand high-level opening-up and deepen economic cooperation with Africa under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). He noted that the policy would reduce the cost of exporting Ghanaian goods, including cocoa products, cashew, shea butter, textiles, and handicrafts, to China and improve their competitiveness in the Chinese market.
For example, Ghanaian cocoa previously had tariffs ranging from eight to 22 per cent, but after the implementation of the zero-tariff treatment, cocoa and other products can now enter China tariff-free. The Ambassador highlighted that the policy would expand Ghana's export opportunities and encourage more Chinese investment in local processing industries to support value addition.
Mr. Cong emphasized that the initiative would attract capital, technology, equipment, and management expertise to Ghana and other African countries, contributing to industrialisation and agricultural modernisation. He mentioned that Ghana and China shared compatible development visions, particularly under Ghana's '24-Hour Economy' and 'Resetting Ghana' agenda, and China's industrial modernisation strategy.
The Ambassador remarked that China remained Ghana's largest trading partner in Africa and a major source of foreign investment, with bilateral trade reaching a record US$14.1 billion in 2025, representing a 19.3 per cent year-on-year growth. Chinese investments in mining, energy, manufacturing, cement, ceramics, steel, and aviation had created thousands of jobs in Ghana while supporting industrial growth and economic recovery.
China is ready to support Ghana's development priorities, including the Volta Economic Corridor project, through increased investment, technology transfer, and industrial cooperation. On people-to-people exchanges, Mr. Cong said 2026 had been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, with nearly 600 activities planned across Africa to strengthen cultural, educational, and youth cooperation.
He noted that more than 10,000 Ghanaian students were currently studying Chinese language and culture, while additional exchange opportunities in artificial intelligence, film, tourism, and the arts were being expanded. On mining cooperation, the Ambassador acknowledged concerns about illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and reiterated China's support for Ghana's efforts to combat the menace.
The Chinese Government consistently opposed the involvement of Chinese nationals in illegal mining activities and had instructed its citizens abroad to obey the laws of host countries. Mr. Cong stated that both nations share the goal of protecting forests and water resources, restoring mining lands, and achieving green and sustainable mining development.
He had held discussions with Ghana's Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and the Minister for the Interior on measures to strengthen cooperation against illegal mining. The Ambassador called on the Ghanaian media to report more comprehensively on China-Ghana cooperation and the positive contributions of Chinese businesses and communities in Ghana.
Lastly, Mr. Cong reaffirmed China's support for the One-China principle and commended Ghana's longstanding diplomatic position on the Taiwan issue. He expressed optimism about the future of China-Ghana relations and described the prospects for cooperation between the two countries as broad and promising.