China announces zero-tariff access for African countries, boosting trade opportunities
The policy is expected to enhance export opportunities across the continent, positioning African businesses to better compete in the world's second-largest economy.
In line with this development, Wesgro, the Western Cape's trade, tourism, and investment promotion agency, recently facilitated the participation of a Western Cape delegation at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), held from 12 to 15 June 2025 in Changsha, China. CAETE is one of the largest trade exhibitions globally, creating direct linkages between African businesses and the Chinese market.
The delegation included exporters and trade facilitators showcasing products such as organic cosmetics, wines, spices, fresh flowers, teas, and nutritional goods.
Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander says: "China is a key trading partner for the Western Cape. In 2024, total exports from the province to China reached R11.76bn, making it one of the largest export markets for the province.
"If we are to realise our provincial objective of trebling exports from the province by 2035, growth in new markets will be essential. Over the coming weeks, Wesgro will work to understand how businesses can best leverage new opportunities flowing from this announcement.'
The agency continues to focus on expanding access to other strategic markets, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), India, Brazil, and the Middle East.
'Market diversification is critical to building resilience and long-term growth for Western Cape businesses,' Stander added. 'By supporting engagements in key global markets like China, we're advancing our strategic mandate to drive trade and investment.'
Strategic partnerships drive African market access
Andrew Robertson, head of business enablement and operations at business and commercial banking, Standard Bank Group, highlighted the catalytic potential of China's zero-tariff policy for African exporters, saying: 'At Business and Commercial Banking, we pride ourselves on turning possibilities into opportunities for the businesses that power Africa's vibrant economies.
"China's zero-tariff policy presents a catalytic opportunity, and through strategic platforms and our strategic partnerships with entities such as Wesgro, we support businesses convert policy into progress by unlocking direct access to high-potential buyers,' says Robertson.
'By leveraging our digital trade capabilities, sector-specific support, and cross-border partnerships, we empower clients to start, manage and grow, not just in China, but across the African continent and other key global markets. We are about enabling long-term growth through market access that is practical, scalable and sustainable.'
Wesgro has partnered with Standard Bank Group to facilitate Western Cape exporters' participation at CAETE 2025, connecting local businesses directly with Chinese buyers and fostering market access under this new trade landscape.
All rights reserved. © 2022. Bizcommunity.com Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation delivers Egypt's address at the roundtable on 'Revitalizing international development cooperation'
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, delivered Egypt's speech at the multilateral roundtable titled 'Revitalizing international development cooperation', on behalf of H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, during the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development held in Spain from June 29 to July 3, 2025. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat explained that the current period is witnessing a significant decline in progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, due to escalating geopolitical tensions and multiple ongoing crises, which has resulted in successive negative impacts, especially on developing and least developed countries, which bear the heaviest burden of the global debt crisis leading to a widening and deepening gap between developed and developing countries day by day. H.E. added that the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development represents an important opportunity to reaffirm the existence of genuine political will to address the situation and to discuss effective proposals that would enhance concessional financing, support existing financial mechanisms, including Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), as well as develop new mechanisms to mobilize the required financing. The Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation pointed out that among these mechanisms, development-linked debt instruments are an example of financial instruments that can contribute to stimulate funding linked to development priorities, affirming the importance of donor countries' commitment to their pledges to developing countries, adding that the challenges faced by developing countries are also beginning to affect many middle-income countries, which face the risk of undermine the progress they have achieved due to the worsening global debt situation. Al-Mashat emphasized the need to focus on priority sectors, such as health and education, while making concerted efforts to alleviate debt burdens, which can be achieved by implementing sustainable mechanisms that contribute to supporting developing countries in a integrated manner. In conclusion of her speech, H.E. stated that the conversation should not be limited to increasing the volume of financing alone, but should also focus on capacity building of countries, so that they are able to work effectively to achieve their national priorities and implementing their development strategies independently and sustainably, expressing her hope that the conference would come out with concrete recommendations capable of making a real, positive impact in advancing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation - Egypt.
Campaign ME
3 hours ago
- Campaign ME
Campaign's Brand Faces to Watch 2025
Campaign Middle East's Brands Faces to Watch highlights young professionals aged 30 and under who are making notable contributions to brand-side marketing and communications across the region in 2025. Selected through industry nominations, this year's group includes individuals working across a range of sectors including automotive, real estate, technology, retail, F&B, travel and finance. Here is the young talent who will be shaping the region's brand messaging in years to come. Campaign's Brand Faces to Watch 2025 Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 2025 – Abdulraqeeb Hassainar, Growth Marketing Specialist, Property Finder Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Adam Farhat , Retail & Marketing Manager , Shooting Stars Rights Management / Warner Bros Discovery Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Adeel Aljahdali , Senior Digital Marketing Specialist , NMS Jetour Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Agnese Shimizu , Social Media Manager , Gates Hospitality Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Ahad Yaqoot , Marketing Executive , Zajel Courier Services Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Ahmed Almutairi , Marketing Director , Mrmandoob Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Amaka Zulu , Marketing & Communications Manager , Gates Hospitality Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Angel Al Hajjar , Marketing Manager , Genesis Middle East & Africa Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Bony Roy , Manager – Future Talent & Industry , Dubai Lynx & Athar Festival Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Cecilia Natalia Hage , Global PR & Communications Manager , CFI Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Charlie Saber , Regional Brand Manager – Sensodyne – Gulf & Near East , Haleon Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Chatarina Widi , Asst. Marketing Manager , Jannah Hotels & Resorts Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Darina Zotova , Global PR Lead , Flowwow Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Diala Atallah , Senior Communications Manager – Chevrolet & GMC , General Motors Middle East & North Africa Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Divya Hoon , PR & Marketing Manager , Peninsula Hospitality Group Campaign's Brands Faces to W atch 202 5 – El Radi Layal , Hea d of Social and Influence , The Luxury Closet Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Eyzell Salinel , Senior Marketing Manager , La Perle – Al Habtoor Group Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Fareed Bitar , Marketing & Communication Manager , ONE Development Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Hashim Sawadi , Manager, Campaign Management , ROSHN Group Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Hoor Khamis , Marketing Administrator , Zurich International Life Ltd. Middle East Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Hussein Najadat , PR & Communication Specialist , Dubizzle Group MENA Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Ihcene Khelalfa , CRM Campaign Specialist , Sephora Middle East Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Ilhami Tek , Assistant Director of E-Commerce , Rixos Hotels & ALL Inclusive Collection Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Ilya Myskin , Brand Manager for Heinz MEA , Kraft Heinz Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Isabel Calandrini , Marketing Manager , Sunset Hospitality Group Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Karen Lobo , Manager , DAMAC Properties Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Khizer Khan , Senior Marketing Executive , Al Masaood Automobiles Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Laila Habash , Brand Manager , Rixos Hotels & ALL Inclusive Collection Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Lamia Aldrees , Social Media Specialist , ROSHN Group Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Lamia AlBattal , Communications Specialist , Amsa Hospitality Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Lena Abou Chakra , UAE Brand & Partnership Marketing Lead – Disney+ , The Walt Disney Company Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Lucas Stamm , Marketing Manager , O Beach Dubai Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Malak ElNahas , Senior Marketing Manager , Expo CIty Dubai Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Meera Saleem , Brand & Creative Manager , Nissan Middle East Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Melissa Fomina , Marketing Assistant , Heriot-Watt University Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Menna Aly , Marketing Specialist , FUJIFILM Middle East & Africa Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Mohammed Abdulla , Marketing & Communications Manager , Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Centro Sharjah Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Momina Al-Saydabi , Marketing Executive , Dubizzle Middle East Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Nada Aldash , Marketing & Digital Coordinator, MENA , Warner Bros. Discovery Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Natacha Moufawad , Senior Brand Manager , L'Oréal Liban Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Nawfal Mbamba , Director of Marketing and Communications , Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Nour Nasreddine , CRM Campaign Specialist , Sephora Middle East Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Rohan Babu , Digital Marketing & Product Manager , Authentic Solutions Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Rula Al Khatib , Lead – Media Relations & Public Affairs , Chalhoub Group Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Rusol Al Hano , Senior Marketing Executive , Audi, Al Nabooda Automobiles Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Saima Abid , Social Media Executive , Bayut Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Sara Khan , Content Executive , Danube Group Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Sarah El Battah , Regional Marketing Specialist , Azadea Group Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Sarah Mohjazi , Marketing & Communications Manager , Media One Hotel Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Shaikh Fahad , Regional Marketing and Communications Manager , Arena Group Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Shatha Khalifa , Social Media and Influncer Marketing Manager , Dubai Safari Park Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Shikha AlMunif , Senior Specialist, Destination Marketing , ROSHN Group Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Shree Lakshmi Nair , Senior Marketing Assistant , Heriot-Watt University Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Siddhi Shah , Senior Digital Marketing Manager , Blacklane Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Sohail Abdullatif , Mobile eXperience Senior Marketing Associate , Samsung Gulf Electronics Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Sreeja Mannangath , Marketing and Communication Manager , DoubleTree by Hilton, Resort and Spa, Marjan Island Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Swetha Ramesh , PR & Social Media Specialist , Canon Middle East, Central & North Africa Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Syed Salman , Digital Marketing Manager , Anker Innovations Campaign's Brands Faces to Watch 202 5 – Zaina Deesi , Marketing Manager , Dubai Future Foundation
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
The African Development Bank and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) scale up drive for sustainable urbanization in Africa
The African Development Bank Group ( and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance collaboration and accelerate action on sustainable urban transformation across the continent. Under the agreement, the organizations will jointly develop action plans that combine technical assistance, policy support, capacity-building, and knowledge exchange to local governments in four key spheres: urban governance, housing, municipal finance, and infrastructure development. The agreement was formalized on 1 July 2025 on the sidelines of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain. The Memorandum of Understanding renews an agreement signed in 2006 by the two entities to collaborate in the water and sanitation sector. The African Development Bank and UN-Habitat also plan to coordinate their efforts to tap into key regional and global platforms to mobilize resources for urban development in Africa, including the World Urban Forum and the Africa Investment Forum. 'I believe that there are ways that we can use the capital markets to develop cities much better,' said African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina. 'I am delighted that the Bank and UN-Habitat are partnering on the development of cities – I am very excited about this partnership.' 'Cities are the engine of growth, and we need to mobilize a lot more private capital in the development of cities, which will require a different approach from the conventional public sector capital,' he added. The Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Anacláudia Rossbach, said: 'Urbanization in Africa can either be a driver of prosperity or a deepening of poverty and exclusion. Through this renewed collaboration with the African Development Bank, we aim to help cities become engines of resilience, equity, and climate action, leaving no one behind.' The African Development Bank Group has significantly expanded its urban portfolio in recent years, including through the creation of a dedicated urban development division and the Urban and Municipal Development Fund to support African cities in delivering transformative, climate-resilient urban solutions. Most recently, UN-Habitat and the Bank Group signed a service agreement to prepare the Eswatini EcoCity Masterplan under an integrated urban and agricultural initiative that aims to deliver sustainable housing and create economic opportunities for over 100,000 people in Eswatini. Africa's rapid growth and urbanization – the continent's population is projected to reach 2.4 billion by 2050 –presents both opportunities and challenges. With more than half of urban residents living in informal settlements lacking basic services, adequate housing, and climate-resilient infrastructure, local governments are under increasing strain. Through this renewed partnership, the African Development Bank and UN-Habitat are joining forces to help cities respond to these challenges and harness urban growth as a driver of sustainable development. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Contacts: UN-Habitat Katerina Bezgachina Chief of Communications Gonzalo Ruiz Partnerships Officer +254 714228562 unhabitat-info@ African Development Bank Olufemi Terry Communications and External Relations media@ About UN-Habitat: UN-Habitat is the United Nations entity working for sustainable urbanization. With pro-grammes in over 90 countries, it supports policymakers and communities to create socially and environmentally sustainable cities and towns. UN-Habitat promotes transformative change in urban areas through knowledge, policy advice, technical assistance, and collaborative action. To know more, visit or follow us on social media @ UNHABITAT.
