President Mnangagwa is among the Heads of State and Government attending the annual continental indaba.

In his message, President Xi said the decision was a testament to the “all-weather” friendship between China and Africa.

“Starting from 1st May 2026, China will extend comprehensive zero-tariff treatment to the 53 African countries having diplomatic ties with China,” President Xi announced.

The Asian giant, he said, remains “firmly committed to promoting world peace and common development, and building a community with a shared future for humanity”.

The policy shift is expected to significantly benefit Zimbabwe’s agricultural, mining and manufacturing sectors, which have been seeking to expand their footprint in the Chinese market.

President Xi emphasised that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernise both regions.

“We continue to encourage the conclusion of agreements on economic partnership for shared development and will further expand the access of African exports to China through upgrading the existing green lanes,” he said.

“These latest steps to expand China’s high-standard opening up will unlock new opportunities for Africa’s development. and the two sides’ joint pursuit of modernisation.”

The “green lanes” have already facilitated the entry of Zimbabwean citrus and other horticultural products into China, but the new policy is set to remove the remaining cost barriers.

President Xi noted that the AU’s efforts to advance continent-wide integration were bearing fruit, adding that the Global South is “gaining strength amidst once-in-a-century transformations sweeping across the world”.