BRAAMFISCHERVILLE, JOHANNESBURG – South African township entrepreneurs, small businesses and stokvel members have been encouraged to seize the opportunities created by China’s expanded zero-tariff policy, which gives qualifying products from 53 African countries duty-free access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
The call was made during a business and trade workshop hosted by BaoBab Ubuntu Media in Braamfischerville on Saturday, where academics and trade specialists urged local entrepreneurs to think beyond domestic markets and to come together and position themselves for the bigger cake; the international market.
Addressing participants, Dr Gideon Chitanga of BaoBab Ubuntu Media described China’s zero-tariff initiative as a game-changing opportunity that arrives at a time when several major economies are becoming increasingly protectionist.
China officially extended its zero-tariff treatment to imports from 53 African countries on 1 May 2026. The policy removes import duties on thousands of qualifying agricultural and industrial products, including fresh produce, avocados, macadamia nuts, flowers, timber products, plant extracts, agro-processed foods and selected manufactured goods, creating significant export opportunities for South African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
“With a population of approximately 1.4 billion people, Chinese producers need assistance in a market that represents the world’s largest single domestic consumer market. Zero tariff then means that South African qualifying products become cheaper,” said Mr. Austin Moyo who opened the floor with his presentation also giving live examples as he had just returned from Yunnan and Hunan provinces, China.
Dr. Chitanga encouraged businesses to look beyond major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai and explore opportunities in China’s rapidly growing inland provinces and regional cities.
“Small businesses are facing massive opportunities to expand by leveraging the China-South Africa and broader China-Africa trade ecosystem,” Chitanga said. “Township and rural entrepreneurs can export many of the products they already produce. Increased exports have the potential to grow agriculture, manufacturing, timber production and other industries, creating jobs and driving sustainable economic development. These opportunities are not reserved for large corporations; they are equally available to SMEs across Gauteng and the rest of South Africa.”
A panel of experts advised entrepreneurs to work closely with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the South African Revenue Service (SARS), local municipalities and export promotion agencies to understand the eligibility requirements, certification standards and export procedures needed to access the Chinese market. Compliance with Chinese quality, health and phytosanitary regulations remains essential for successful exports.
Beyond trade, Chitanga highlighted the growing partnership between South Africa and China in education, technology and cultural exchange. He encouraged parents and students to monitor scholarship opportunities offered by Chinese universities and urged artists, musicians, theatre groups and filmmakers to participate in cultural exchange programmes.
“Our relationship with China extends beyond trade,” he said. “There are scholarships for South African students, technology partnerships and cultural exchanges that expose our young people to innovation and modern development. These experiences help build skills that can contribute to South Africa’s future.”
Another panelist, Ndumiso Mlilo also highlighted the coming together of industries to achieve a common goal. “This is where working as teams becomes powerful. You can invest together in farming projects, packaging facilities, cold storage, transport, or even export businesses. Together, you become stronger and more attractive to buyers.” said Mlilo.
Organisers said the workshop forms part of a broader campaign to educate township entrepreneurs, stokvel members and community businesses about international trade opportunities created through the strengthening of China-Africa economic cooperation. Participants were encouraged to organise themselves into export-ready businesses capable of supplying international markets while creating employment and stimulating inclusive economic growth in South Africa.
