The year 2024 marks a significant milestone in China-Africa relations, with the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in September and the opening of the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. These two events underscore China’s commitment to deepening its economic ties with Africa and promoting shared prosperity. At the FOCAC Summit, China pledged to further expand its market and provide increased support for African products through platforms such as the CIIE. Two months later, the 7th CIIE offered a tangible example of China’s dedication to fostering stronger trade and investment connections with Africa.
Since its inception in 2018, the CIIE has played a pivotal role in leveraging China’s vast market to support international procurement, investment promotion, and cooperation. As China continues to open its doors wider to African nations, the CIIE has become an essential platform for African agricultural products to gain a foothold in the Chinese market. The expo has not only facilitated trade but also enabled African businesses to explore new opportunities, especially in sectors like agriculture, food, and natural products.
Ethiopia’s coffee, a familiar presence at the expo since 2019, has been one of the standout African products at the CIIE. Ruth Wondosen Tesfaye from Addis Coffee emphasized the importance of the CIIE in boosting Ethiopia’s coffee exports to China. The expo provides an invaluable platform for Ethiopian businesses to engage directly with consumers and distributors, significantly enhancing their export strategies. With China’s growing demand for unique products like Ethiopian coffee, African businesses are poised to benefit from this expanding market.
This year, Madagascar made its debut at the CIIE, showcasing its mutton products. In September, China cleared its first-ever import of mutton from Madagascar, marking a new chapter in African agricultural exports. Michel Anondraka, the director general of agriculture and livestock at Madagascar’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, expressed optimism that China’s large market would not only support local farmers but also accelerate agricultural modernization in Madagascar.
Similarly, Tanzanian honey was introduced to the Chinese market for the first time at this year’s expo. Jackson Mponela from Tanzania Future Enterprises noted that the CIIE provided a significant opportunity for Tanzanian honey producers to expand into the Chinese market and further establish their presence on the global stage. The honey industry’s entry into the Chinese market is expected to open doors for other Tanzanian agricultural products as well.
South Africa’s Khozeni Farming also participated for the first time, presenting its avocados to the Chinese market. CEO Nkateko Khoza shared the company’s vision of using the Chinese market to spur growth, with projections of doubling their business over the next three to five years. The CIIE’s role in showcasing South African products highlights China’s potential to become a key partner in Africa’s agricultural and economic development.
The success of these initiatives can be attributed in part to the supportive policies within the China-Africa framework. Philip Myburgh from Standard Bank highlighted how policy support has been a key driver of economic cooperation between the two regions. Initiatives under the FOCAC, including a “green channel” for African agricultural products, have streamlined customs procedures, reduced tariffs, and facilitated the faster entry of products like African flowers, coffee, and avocados into the Chinese market.
China’s trade promotion measures have already yielded tangible results. In the first nine months of 2024, China’s imports from Africa reached approximately 87 billion U.S. dollars, marking a 10.3 percent increase from the previous year. This growth demonstrates the growing success of China’s engagement with Africa through platforms like the CIIE.
Additionally, Mauritius’s sugar industry has benefitted from the China-Mauritius Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in 2021. The CIIE has provided a platform for Mauritius’s sugar exports, opening up long-term opportunities in the Chinese market. As Devesh Dukhira, CEO of the Mauritius Sugar Syndicate, noted, the Chinese market’s contribution to Mauritius’ economy will be substantial, particularly with the support of initiatives like the CIIE.
In conclusion, the CIIE has proven to be more than just an expo; it is a powerful catalyst for strengthening China-Africa ties and promoting shared prosperity. Through policies that facilitate trade, investment, and market access, China has demonstrated its commitment to supporting African businesses and helping them access new opportunities in its vast and growing market. As African products continue to gain recognition at the CIIE, the synergy between China and Africa will only grow, paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for both regions.
