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China’s duty-free pivot in Kenya signals Africa trade realignment beyond AGOA

Sunset at an Industrial Shipping Port for trading. Photo @Pexels
Sunset at an Industrial Shipping Port for trading. Photo @Pexels
  • Kenya secures duty-free China access from May 2026
  • Deal raises questions over Africa’s post-AGOA trade future

 

NAIROBI, KENYAKenya has secured duty-free access to the Chinese market for its agricultural exports, marking a strategic shift in Africa’s trade alignments amid growing uncertainty over US programmes.

The agreement, set to take effect on May 1, 2026, was reached on March 16 between Kenya’s agriculture minister, Mutahi Kagwe, and Chinese ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, before being reinforced during a high-level visit by Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng.

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