A Kenyan exhibitor promotes coffee to visitors at the fourth CAETE in Changsha, Hunan Province, on 13 June (HU FAN)

In the picturesque city of Changsha, a cool breeze from the Xiangjiang River whispers through landmarks like Yuelu Mountain and Orange Isle. Inside the exhibition halls, the rich aromas of African tea, spices, and essential oils filled the air, as a renowned showcase of China-Africa cooperation brands got underway. 

The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), held from 12 to 15 June in the capital of Hunan Province in central China, reflects the country’s deepening commitment to Africa, a continent that is home to the largest number of developing nations.  

Over 30,000 participants from nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies gathered for a vibrant showcase of Africa’s signature exports - from Kenyan tea and Ugandan cocoa to Zambian honey, Malawian tobacco, Rwandan chilli peppers, South African citrus, and handcrafted fashion and gemstones. 

Since its launch in 2019, CAETE has become a flagship platform for strengthening China-Africa economic ties, drawing participation from 53 African countries and 31 Chinese provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. 

New initiatives at this year’s CAETE, such as zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines for all the African countries with diplomatic relations with China, are expected to boost African brand visibility in China, open new trade and investment opportunities, and inject fresh momentum into Africa’s development. 

Access to a key market 

“I’m excited to showcase our African garments, covering men’s, women’s and children’s fashion, along with women’s designer accessories,” Mazuba Mwanza, a 38-year-old Zambian fashion designer, told ChinAfrica. “So far, I’ve sold 50 pieces, but the more important success is securing over 20 business contacts in the Chinese market.” 

Her label, Faimak Couture, won hearts at CAETE, as her creative designs turned curiosity into concrete client interest and business partnerships. 

Similarly, Changa Nkowane, CEO of Gilly’s Trends Enterprise, sought to explore trade opportunities at the expo. Gaining access to China’s vast consumer base is part of a broader strategy to increase Zambian exports and deepen bilateral ties. 

“As small-scale artisanal miners, we’re interested in partnering with Chinese firms to boost investment and add value to our products,” Nkowane said. 

His company, which deals in precious stones, honey, and handcrafted goods, used CAETE to explore new markets and expand its footprint. 

Led by Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga, Zambia’s delegation highlighted the expo as a key platform for attracting Chinese investment, especially in energy and manufacturing, while helping entrepreneurs like Mwanza and Nkowane to establish export pathways. 

“This expo aligns with Zambia’s wider goals of promoting economic diversification and increasing non-traditional exports by strengthening trade ties with China,” Mulenga noted. 

Investment and cooperation  

For African countries, events like CAETE offer more than access to China’s enormous consumer market. They also provide avenues for attracting foreign direct investment in crucial sectors such as agriculture, clean energy, transport, and health care. 

This year’s expo featured 30 economic and trade activities across sectors such as modern agricultural machinery, clean energy, smart mining, traditional medicine, industrial chains, youth entrepreneurship, and cultural industries. 

At the South Africa pavilion, more than 17 exporters from the Western Cape Province showcased their offerings via Wesgro, the region’s official trade and investment promotion agency. Their products ranged from organic cosmetics, wines, and spices to teas, fresh flowers, and nutritional supplements. 

“By engaging in global markets like China, we’re furthering our mission to drive trade and investment. Market diversification is key to building resilience and long-term growth for Western Cape businesses,” said Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander on the sidelines of the event. 

Stander welcomed China’s recent decision to extend zero-tariff access to all African nations with diplomatic ties, expressing confidence it would unlock major export opportunities - particularly for South African goods, as China remains the Western Cape’s largest export market. 

Visitors examine Malawian jewellery and gems at the fourth CAETE in Changsha, Hunan Province, on 13 June (HU FAN) 

Prized products, prized market 

Against the backdrop of punitive US tariffs, China’s favourable trade policies and growing demand have made it an increasingly attractive market for Africa’s agricultural exporters. 

In Kenya’s lush Kericho County, tea farmer Doreen Otieno gently plucks the top two leaves and a bud - a prized part of the tea plant known for its fresh flavour. 

“I’m still struggling with over 100 kg of unsold tea due to the minimum price regime. It’s impacting my income and affecting cash flow needed to cover high production costs,” she told ChinAfrica. 

Despite Kenya’s position as a top global tea producer, challenges like price volatility, global competition, and limited value addition have constrained growth. Otieno and other smallholders are now eyeing the Chinese market, the world’s largest tea-consuming nation. 

To safeguard farmers, the Kenya Tea Development Agency - representing over 600,000 small-scale growers - recently set a minimum export price of $2.34 per kg. But the policy also resulted in large unsold volumes, raising concerns about its effectiveness. 

At CAETE, African nations showcased not only products, but also visions for future cooperation. At Malawi’s pavilion, pigeon peas, groundnuts, minerals, and gems caught attention. 

“We’re honoured to present our nation’s potential to the Chinese market and beyond. Together, we’re building bridges for trade, investment, and shared prosperity,” said a representative from the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre. 

Making her debut at CAETE, Florence Akinyede, a Nigerian entrepreneur whose business involves shea nuts, turmeric, and ginger root, also saw big potential. 

“We’re here to create synergy with Chinese entrepreneurs by adding value to agricultural produce and exchanging knowledge in manufacturing. This way, we help to develop our country and build a better economy,” Akinyede said.