HELSHINKI (Finland), June 18 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has lauded China’s recent commitment to providing 100% tariff-free market access for African goods, describing it as a defining moment in the continent’s global trade relations.
Speaking at the 13th Kultaranta Talks in Finland, Mudavadi remarked that this move indicates China’s increasing role in supporting Africa’s economic ambitions, particularly as Western engagement seems to be receding.
Mudavadi referenced the mid-term review of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which took place last week in Changsha, Hunan Province, as a pivotal moment.
“The Chinese government made a very profound statement – making a decision to provide 100% tariff-free market access for goods and products originating from Africa,”he stated.
“This is a profound statement bearing in mind that one of the key programmes within the United States and Africa relationship has been the AGOA framework, which is coming to an end it September,” Mudavadi noted.
He highlighted that African nations, including Kenya, are actively pursuing equitable trade opportunities with various global partners.
“To speak for Kenya, we have also negotiated an economic partnership agreement with the European Union so that we can be able to support manufacturers and producers in our country to access more competitive levels to this market,” he explained.
According to Mudavadi, the shifting dynamics present a clear contrast: “I say China needs to be taken seriously because as the West perhaps looks at it differently, and begins to step back, China is stepping in. As you close the USAID, China is stepping in,”
He called for a more balanced and inclusive global trade environment that provides fair opportunities regardless of a country’s geographical or economic status.
“It is something that needs to be looked at in the context of how do we strengthen the global trade environment so that it can be a fair opportunity for everybody no matter what continent you are in and no matter the state of your economy. These are fundamental that we should not run away from,” he asserted.
Mudavadi was representing President William Ruto at the Kultaranta Talks, a prestigious high-level forum that brings together global leaders to discuss shifting geopolitical landscapes and security challenges. The theme for 2025 was “The Changing World Order – Old Meets New.”
At the FOCAC meeting last week, Mudavadi underscored the tangible impact that the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has had on the continent over the past 25 years, citing significant infrastructure development projects and cultural exchanges.
“FOCAC has facilitated trade and investment promotions between Africa Continental Free Trade Area as we implement the Beijing 2024 Summit Africa-China relations in a concrete and tangible manner within South facilitated people to people exchanges through tourism, culture,” he said.
He pointed to ongoing projects, such as railways and cross-border roads—particularly in Kenya under China’s Belt and Road Initiative—as evidence of meaningful collaboration. “These projects are enhancing regional connectivity, facilitating trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and deepening cultural ties through tourism and educational exchanges,” Mudavadi added.
He said people-centred, mutually beneficial approach of FOCAC aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063 goals and the broader Global South’s call for fairer international engagement. “FOCAC will keep us relevant especially in the implementation of Agenda 2063 and Africa been collated and included in the outcome document,” he said.
Mudavadi also highlighted the importance of South-South cooperation, digital innovation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), noting that FOCAC serves as a unique platform for sharing best practices and enhancing Africa’s position in global governance. — NNN-KBC
