9th China International Import Expo opens in Shanghai: 5 key takeaways for Africa

A volunteer (2nd L) and staff members provide services to a media worker at the media center of the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 4, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Haoming)

The 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) officially opened on Nov. 5 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in east China's Shanghai.

Hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, and organized by the China International Import Expo Bureau, the expo runs from Nov. 5 to 10 under the theme "New Era, Shared Future."

This year's expo is expected to attract a record 4,142 overseas exhibitors from 148 countries and regions. In total, 162 countries, regions and international organizations will participate, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

For the first time, the number of participating Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders has exceeded 300. The total exhibition area has also surpassed 440,000 square meters for the first time.

The expo features a wide range of exhibition sections covering automobiles, medical equipment and healthcare products, artificial intelligence (AI) and information technology, consumer goods, food and agricultural products, as well as trade in services.

An African exhibitor prepares at the agricultural and food products exhibition area of the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 4, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi)

Each year, the organizers have continued to expand opportunities and provide greater support for African products and businesses seeking to access China's vast market. The expo also offers African exhibitors a valuable platform to engage directly with Chinese buyers, businesspeople and international trading partners.

This year's edition features five particularly significant takeaways concerning Africa that deserve special attention, as they create expanded opportunities for African countries and businesses.

First, this is the first CIIE since China announced the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, effective May 1 this year.

Consequently, the expo presents African countries with an important opportunity to capitalize on this policy. African exporters can access the Chinese market more directly, introduce new and value-added products, and showcase their goods to Chinese buyers without incurring import tariffs, subject to applicable customs and regulatory requirements.

Second, the organizers have introduced a dedicated Africa and Asia Products Zone for the first time.

Through this special exhibition area, domestic and international buyers and businesspeople can access information about African and Asian products in one convenient location. The initiative makes it easier for them to connect with African entrepreneurs and exhibitors, while enhancing the visibility, market reach and international supply of African products.

A photo of mascot Jinbao, a giant panda, at the venue of the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 4, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Lei)

Third, CIIE will welcome a number of new African friends, with Gabon making its debut at the national pavilion and Cote d'Ivoire participating collectively for the first time, bringing African representation at the expo close to all African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China.

According to the organizers, this marks an important milestone in expanding African participation. Reflecting the significance attached to Gabon's participation, Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema was among the distinguished guests attending this year's opening ceremony.

Fourth, the organizers have outlined special support arrangements for exhibitors from African countries that meet specified eligibility requirements.

According to information published by the organizers, these measures include free or subsidized exhibition booths, expedited procedures for product approvals, subsidies toward the cost of transporting exhibits to China, and other forms of assistance.

These arrangements are particularly important for African businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, as they help reduce the financial and logistical barriers associated with participating in international exhibitions and accessing the Chinese market.

Fifth, the organizers have planned activities specifically designed to connect African exhibitors with potential buyers while helping African businesses build commercial networks with their Chinese and international counterparts.

A view of the National Exhibition and Convention Center, official venue of the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 4, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Haoming)

Among the planned activities are investment promotion events, business networking sessions and business matchmaking programs designed to bring sellers and prospective buyers together. These initiatives offer African businesses opportunities to establish commercial partnerships, explore investment prospects and develop long-term business relationships.

The expo represents far more than an opportunity for African countries to showcase their distinctive products and agricultural produce to the world.

It is also an important international platform for promoting an open and inclusive global economy, advancing mutually beneficial partnerships and encouraging cooperation among stakeholders in building a more resilient world economy.

For Africa, the opportunities presented by this year's CIIE go beyond product promotion and market access. They provide a platform to strengthen trade relations, attract investment, promote value addition and deepen economic cooperation with China and the wider international community.