The Commercial Blind Spot: Why Eswatini Remains Outside China’s Preferential Tariff Framework
China’s decision not to extend preferential tariff treatment to the Kingdom of Eswatini is fundamentally a story of missing infrastructure, not physical roads or ports, but the institutional architecture that makes trade agreements function in practice. At the heart of this impasse lies a simple but consequential reality: China does not maintain an embassy in Mbabane.
China’s Zero Tariff Policy: A New Model of South–South Trade Cooperation?
Effective May 1, 2026, China’s decision to grant zero-tariff access on 100% of taxable goods from 53 African countries marks a significant shift in the landscape of global trade relations. Beyond its immediate implications for China–Africa commerce, the policy stands out as one of the most expansive trade openings within contemporary South–South engagement.
From Market Access to Market Readiness: Making the Most of China’s Zero Tariff Opportunity
On May 1, China’s zero tariff policy for African countries entered full implementation, marking a significant milestone in Africa–China economic relations. For the first time, African exporters have near-complete tariff-free access to one of the world’s largest and most dynamic consumer markets.
From Participation to Positioning: Africa in the New Global Supply Chain Order
Africa stands at a critical juncture in the evolution of global supply chains. The opportunities are real—but they are not automatic. Ultimately, the question is not whether Africa will be included in global supply chains. The question is whether Africa will help define and shape them.
From Agreements to Affection: Re-centering People in Africa–China Relations
Re-centering people in Africa-China relations is ultimately about recognising affection as strategic capital. Affection here does not imply idealisation, but familiarity built through sustained interaction, trust earned through cooperation, and empathy developed through shared experience.
Why People Matter: Reimagining the Future of Africa–China Cooperation
As cooperation between Africa and China deepens and becomes more embedded in African societies, a critical question emerges: What will ultimately determine the depth, legitimacy, and sustainability of Africa–China cooperation in the decades ahead?
Mutual Gains: How Chinese Scholarships Benefit Ghana and China
China’s scholarships have opened many doors for Ghanaian students: language skills, funded study, and easier entry into STEM and technical fields. These scholarships have further strengthened Ghana-China relations and stimulated mutually beneficial outcomes: Ghana gains human capital and capacity, China builds cultural familiarity, and educational influence and recognition.
Selective Reciprocity: How Ghana Can Turn China’s Zero-Tariff Policy into a Win-Win Strategy
China’s zero-tariff initiative is more than a diplomatic gesture—it is a strategic opening that could redefine Ghana’s trade and industrial future. Yet, the ultimate outcome depends on how Ghana manages reciprocity.
From Beijing to Accra: Reimagining Gender Leadership in a Changing Global Order
President Xi Jinping, articulating China’s global vision of women’s empowerment within the framework of inclusive modernization, and President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, presenting Africa’s pragmatic approach to gender-responsive governance
From Beijing to Accra: Ghana and China at the Frontline of Climate Action
Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing development challenges of our time, threatening economies, livelihoods, and ecosystems worldwide. For Africa — and Ghana in particular — the impacts are acute: extreme weather events, declining agricultural productivity, and rising energy demands are undermining growth and sustainable development. Against this backdrop, Ghana’s commitment to building a climate-resilient, low-carbon economy requires not only domestic innovation but also international cooperation.