China is set to remove tariffs for 53 African countries, excluding Eswatini, as part of a policy expansion effective Friday, May 1st, lasting until April 30, 2028.

• The policy offers unilateral zero-tariff treatment, a move China claims as a first for a major economy.
• Analysts note that while aiming to boost soft power and African exports, challenges like a significant trade imbalance with China persist.
• Eswatini's exclusion is seen as a political statement by China due to its ties with Taiwan.