China’s elimination of tariffs on goods from 53 African countries is ushering in a new era of trade relations, offering unprecedented access to its vast consumer market.
Gambia’s Trade Minister, Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, sees this as a transformative opportunity for his country’s exports, from raw materials to value-added products. He notes that Gambia, and other least developed countries (LDCs), now have the potential to tap into a global trade platform that was previously beyond reach.
In contrast to growing protectionist measures in Western markets, such as recent U.S. tariff hikes on African imports, Joof emphasises the need for inclusive trade blocs and global cooperation. He asserts that isolationist policies are unsustainable and urges a shift toward mutual partnerships that prioritise equitable participation in global trade. The China-Africa trade expansion, in his view, offers a counterbalance to restrictive Western policies.
Joof also highlights China’s role beyond market access—pointing to infrastructure investment, skills transfer, and industrial cooperation as vital to African development. He encourages Chinese manufacturers to invest in Gambia, leveraging the country’s strategic geographic position for global distribution. At the same time, African producers are encouraged to target the Chinese market, strengthening economic ties and driving a shared vision of modernisation between the two regions.