SADC Countries to Explore Greater Cooperation in Agricultural Processing and Manufacturing

TLDR

• Effective May 1, 2026, China abolished tariffs on all tariff lines for 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
• The greater strategic opportunity is to use access to the Chinese market as an incentive for domestic processing, manufacturing, packaging and branding.
• Africa has substantial agricultural resources, but many countries continue to export commodities with limited processing.
• African countries can seek investment in processing, refining and manufacturing, allowing more value to be retained domestically before products enter international markets.
• Rather than competing primarily to export raw materials, SADC member states can explore greater cooperation in agricultural processing, mineral beneficiation, manufacturing, logistics and related industrial services.