More than 150 farmers, business owners, entrepreneurs, Msukaligwa government representatives and other stakeholders from across Mpumalanga, as far as Whiteriver and Bushbuckridge, gathered in Ermelo on Saturday for a landmark seminar aimed at unlocking opportunities presented by China's zero-tariff policy for African exports.
The Mpumalanga China Zero-Tariff Seminar, held at the Nooitgedacht Agriculture Development Centre in Ermelo today, 15 August 2026, brought together stakeholders from different sectors to examine how the new trade arrangement could be translated into practical economic opportunities for businesses and farmers in the province.
The seminar was hosted by Baobab Ubuntu Media, in partnership with Khanyisa News, Stokvel TALK, and Inner City Gazette, and featured representatives from the Chinese Embassy, Msukaligwa Local Municipality, the African Farmers' Association of South Africa (AFASA) in Mpumalanga, the agricultural sector, business, academia and civil society.
The event was particularly significant for Mpumalanga as local businesses and farmers were encouraged to look beyond traditional domestic markets and consider the potential of the now easily accessible Chinese market.
China's expanded zero-tariff policy officially took effect on 1 May 2026, extending zero-tariff treatment to the 53 African countries with which China maintains diplomatic relations.
For South African exporters, the arrangement is being implemented as a temporary non-reciprocal...
