As Zimbabwe's premier trade showcase draws to a close in Bulawayo, the country's second-largest city, exhibitors from across the continent expressed a shared optimism that China's zero-tariff policy will allow them to aggressively expand their footprint in China, the world's second-largest economy.

by Xinhua writers Ye Ting, Xu Zheng and Tafara Mugwara

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, April 26 (Xinhua) -- For African exporters showcasing their wares at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair set to close on Saturday, the message is clear: China's zero-tariff policy is not just a trade dividend, but a gateway to unprecedented growth.

As Zimbabwe's premier trade showcase draws to a close in Bulawayo, the country's second-largest city, exhibitors from across the continent expressed a shared optimism that China's zero-tariff policy will allow them to aggressively expand their footprint in China, the world's second-largest economy.

Starting May 1, China will grant zero-tariff treatment to products from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties. For many, this timeline could not be more opportune.

"Many traditional markets are tightening access through increasingly complex regulations," said Sami Kebed, marketing officer for Gelila Manufacturing, an Ethiopian industrial group specializing in footwear and food processing among its diverse product portfolio. "It is a real relief for African countries to secure more direct access to the Chinese market."

Kebed noted that the policy serves as a powerful incentive for Ethiopian firms to ramp up production in footwear and food processing. Beyond immediate sales, he emphasized that the measure stimulates export-driven growth and job creation across the continent.

"The decision will directly improve our export earnings," Kebed said, adding that Ethiopian coffee, in particular, is poised to become significantly more competitive in Chinese cafes and households.

While the policy opens the door, exporters are aware that they must still win over Chinese consumers. Lidia Million, general manager of Linu Manufacturing PLC, an Ethiopian leather goods exporter, is already refining her strategy.

"There is a massive opportunity, but success requires a deep understanding of Chinese consumer preferences," Million said. She plans to leverage the zero-tariff policy to introduce high-end Ethiopian leather products to Chinese boutique markets, aiming to break new ground with premium quality.

Similarly, Malebo Matlala, founder of the South African outdoor apparel brand Mokatani, described the policy as a game changer.

"Accessing a market of China's scale at an advantageous price point is a rare opportunity," Matlala remarked. "It levels the playing field, making African-made apparel competitive against brands from any other region."

The enthusiasm for the zero-tariff policy extends deep into the agricultural sector, where it is acting as both a catalyst for established exporters and a powerful incentive for tech-driven startups to scale up.

In Mozambique, producers of high-value fruit are already eyeing China's vast appetite for fresh produce. Alves Vicente, a provincial delegate from Mozambique's Zambezi Valley Development Agency, highlighted that exporters of avocados and lychees are among the most eager to benefit.

"The demand is huge, and the market is asking for more," said Vicente. He noted that in the agricultural business, where profit margins are often thin, the removal of tariffs provides a crucial price advantage, making Mozambican products far more attractive to Chinese importers.

Hydro Smart Farms, a Zimbabwean startup specializing in hydroponic strawberries, represents a new wave of agribusiness eyeing future growth. While the firm has yet to enter the Chinese market, the prospect of zero-tariff access serves as a significant incentive for its long-term planning and technological investment.

For such startups, the policy is a gateway to deeper industrial cooperation. The firm is actively seeking strategic partnerships with Chinese enterprises in affordable technology, greenhouse infrastructure, and cold chain logistics to build a more robust, tech-enabled supply chain.

By bridging the gap between African supply and Chinese demand, the policy is transforming the trade landscape, turning the aspirations of both veteran exporters and budding entrepreneurs into a new era of commercial reality.