African Businesses Prepare for Ninth China International Import Expo
African firms are preparing for the China International Import Expo in Shanghai following China's implementation of zero-tariff treatment for 53 African nations.
African businesses are preparing for the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), taking place from November 5 to 10 in Shanghai. The event follows a May 1 decision by the Government of China to implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries, a move designed to lower market access costs and encourage African firms to develop their own brands and processing capabilities.
This year's expo marks the debut of Gabon at the national pavilion and the first collective participation of Cote d'Ivoire, which intends to showcase textiles, cocoa, coffee, cashew, and kola nuts. Other participants include Rwanda's M&M Sozo Ltd. and Cameroon's Bansa.
Existing trade relationships have already shown growth. The Tea Board of Kenya expects tea exports to China to reach 20 million kg in 2026, while Ethiopia's AWO Coffee increased exports to 200 tonnes in 2025. In Madagascar, the mutton export trade has created jobs for at least 3,000 households across the supply chain, from livestock farming to slaughtering and export.
