The eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) has drawn a record 4,000 exhibitors from 155 countries, with African participation surging notably—17 nations featured in the Country Exhibition and an 80% year-on-year rise in African businesses attending. As China reaffirms its role as Africa’s top trading partner for the 16th straight year, the expo is emerging as a vital conduit for African market access, investment, and value-added trade.
Representatives from Rwanda, Namibia, and Zimbabwe highlighted the CIIE’s role in showcasing diverse products—from coffee, honey, and teas to leather goods and horticultural exports like blueberries. Namibia reported a trade surplus with China in 2024 and is finalizing protocols for table grapes, citrus, and blueberries, having already exported 600 tons of beef. Zimbabwe, which sent 15 companies to exhibit and another 15 as observers, aims to debut its high-growth blueberry exports at next year’s event following a recent export protocol. Rwanda seeks deeper penetration into China’s consumer market with its premium agricultural goods.
A newly expanded Africa section and preferential zero-tariff treatment for least-developed countries have significantly lowered entry barriers, boosting African MSME participation. Officials noted these measures enhance competitiveness, incentivize value addition, and align with broader goals like the African Continental Free Trade Area. Zimbabwe emphasized China’s dominance as its top investor, accounting for over 60% of foreign approvals in 2024, while Namibia underscored untapped potential in services, especially tourism. Together, participants framed the CIIE as a catalyst for mutual growth, innovation, and a shared economic future under the expo’s theme: “New Era, Shared Future.”
Representatives from Rwanda, Namibia, and Zimbabwe highlighted the CIIE’s role in showcasing diverse products—from coffee, honey, and teas to leather goods and horticultural exports like blueberries. Namibia reported a trade surplus with China in 2024 and is finalizing protocols for table grapes, citrus, and blueberries, having already exported 600 tons of beef. Zimbabwe, which sent 15 companies to exhibit and another 15 as observers, aims to debut its high-growth blueberry exports at next year’s event following a recent export protocol. Rwanda seeks deeper penetration into China’s consumer market with its premium agricultural goods.
A newly expanded Africa section and preferential zero-tariff treatment for least-developed countries have significantly lowered entry barriers, boosting African MSME participation. Officials noted these measures enhance competitiveness, incentivize value addition, and align with broader goals like the African Continental Free Trade Area. Zimbabwe emphasized China’s dominance as its top investor, accounting for over 60% of foreign approvals in 2024, while Namibia underscored untapped potential in services, especially tourism. Together, participants framed the CIIE as a catalyst for mutual growth, innovation, and a shared economic future under the expo’s theme: “New Era, Shared Future.”
