Globalisation is entering a complex phase marked by trade disputes, supply-chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions. These challenges are forcing countries to reassess their dependence on one another. However, retreating behind higher barriers is not the solution. Instead, the focus should be on building a more resilient economy while keeping markets open to create opportunities for countries with limited influence over global commerce. This issue is particularly significant for Africa, which is striving to move beyond unprocessed commodities and develop stronger manufacturing, agricultural, and technology sectors.
The transformation of Africa's economy requires investment, skills, infrastructure, and access to markets. As protectionism gains attention, predictable market access has become as crucial as financial support. China's decision to extend zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations offers a notable example of how market access can deepen economic cooperation. This move builds on China's previous grant of zero-tariff treatment to 33 African least developed countries in 2024, covering 100 per cent of tariff lines.
The expanded arrangement now includes larger African economies such as Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa. China-Africa trade reached a record $348 billion last year, according to Chinese official figures. This substantial base provides a foundation for the development of this policy. The measure's significance lies not only in the value of tariffs removed but also in whether African producers can use access to the Chinese market to increase production, attract investment, and move higher up value chains.
African countries must strengthen standards, productivity, transport systems, electricity supply, digital infrastructure, and access to finance to benefit from preferential market access. Governments and businesses also need to understand consumer demand in destination markets and build brands capable of competing internationally. Market access creates an opportunity, but domestic capability determines how far countries can capitalize on it. Kenya's agricultural producers, for example, have significant potential in products such as coffee, tea, horticultural goods, and processed foods.
Access to a market of China's scale can create additional possibilities for Kenya and other African countries. However, the objective should be diversification rather than dependence on a narrow range of commodities. The opportunity is to use trade as a catalyst for investment, employment, and upgrading. The broader lesson extends beyond China and Africa, as the global economy does not have to choose between complete economic separation and unrestricted interdependence.
Countries can protect legitimate national interests while maintaining channels for trade, investment, and dialogue. Diversifying supply chains does not require abandoning cooperation, and technology competition does not make collaboration on global challenges such as climate change, public health, and food security impossible. Today's major challenges do not respect national borders, and no single country can effectively address them alone. China's growing role in discussions about development and international cooperation reflects a wider transformation in global affairs.
Stronger relationships among countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East reflect a desire for diversified partnerships and a larger voice in shaping global economic rules. For developing countries, this can widen the range of choices available to them. For Africa, the essential principle should be agency, engaging with partners according to its own development priorities. Competition among major economies can create opportunities, but African countries will gain the most when they negotiate from clear national and continental strategies.
Key points
- The future of globalisation will be measured by how effectively countries create room for shared prosperity.
- African countries must strengthen domestic capabilities to benefit from preferential market access.
- The global economy can balance national interests with open markets, diversified partnerships, and stronger domestic capacity.
