Sudan Participates in AU Retreat with African Ambassadors in Beijing

Sudan participated in the retreat organized by the African Union for African ambassadors accredited to the People’s Republic of China. The retreat was held in Beijing from April 23-24, 2026, under the theme: “Maximizing the Benefits of China’s Full Tariff Exemption Initiative to Support Development and Prosperity in Africa.”

The retreat discussed ways to enhance African coordination to benefit from the Chinese initiative granting 100% tariff exemption for exports from eligible African countries, scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2026. This initiative aims to expand access to Chinese markets and boost trade and investment.

The meetings also addressed aligning the initiative with the priorities of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063, supporting industrialization and economic transformation on the continent, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and regional value chains.

Ambassador Omar Issa, Sudan’s ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, emphasized the importance of leveraging this initiative to boost Sudanese exports to the Chinese market, particularly in the agricultural and mining sectors, thereby supporting economic development efforts and adding value to the national economy.

The retreat concluded by stressing the need to move from the policy stage to practical implementation through developing financing mechanisms, exchanging information, and building capacity, enabling African countries to maximize the benefits of partnership opportunities with China.