Powering African Export Growth Through Strategic Market Access And Trade Partnerships In China

Standard Bank is leading a delegation of 20 African businesses to the 2026 China International Import Expo (CIIE), helping African exporters connect with Chinese buyers, investors and growth opportunities in one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

As Standard Bank marks its ninth consecutive year of participation at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the bank will once again showcase the strength, innovation and export potential of African businesses by leading a delegation of 20 clients to Shanghai, China.

Representing businesses from across seven African countries, including, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda, the delegation comprises exporters from key sectors including agriculture and value-added agri-processing, reflecting Africa’s growing ability to meet global demand with high-quality products and solutions. This year’s delegation includes African producers and exporters of coffee, cocoa, tea, wine, avocados, grains, cashews, sesame and other agricultural products.

As one of the world’s leading platforms for international trade and investment, CIIE provides African businesses with direct access to Chinese buyers, distributors, investors and strategic partners. The expo continues to create meaningful opportunities for African exporters to showcase their products, establish commercial relationships and expand their footprint in one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

Standard Bank’s participation forms part of its broader commitment to advancing Africa-China trade and supporting businesses as they pursue growth beyond their domestic markets. As China remains one of Africa’s most important trading partners, opportunities for African exporters to access new customers, diversify revenue streams and build long-term commercial partnerships have become increasingly important.

Over the past nine years, CIIE has become a cornerstone of Standard Bank’s efforts to facilitate market access and connect African businesses to global opportunities. Since beginning its participation in 2018, Standard Bank has supported more than 242 African businesses through the platform, helping African exporters engage directly with buyers, strengthen their export capabilities and unlock commercial opportunities in China.

The value of these connections is evident in the growth achieved by Standard Bank clients through CIIE. For example:

• A Uganda-based coffee exporter working with a network of coffee farmers secured three confirmed export orders worth more than US$650,000 at CIIE 2023.
• A South African rooibos exporter reported that relationships established through the expo have generated bulk exports valued at more than R1 million.
• A Mozambican macadamia exporter shipped six containers of nuts to China in 2024, valued at more than US$350,000. These examples demonstrate how African businesses are finding new customers, expanding into international markets and growing their trade through the relationships and opportunities created at CIIE.

The African exporters are using lower import duties and improved market access to diversify into additional international markets, with early shipments from South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Nigeria already processed under a new zero-tariff framework. For many businesses, the emerging opportunity is not only to reduce landed costs, but to broaden export destinations, improve route-to-market resilience and reduce reliance on a narrow set of trading partners. While China’s zero-tariff policy opens new market-access opportunities, enhanced Renminbi (RMB) settlement and payment capabilities are helping businesses convert those opportunities into tangible trade flows by reducing transaction friction and improving efficiency across the Africa-China trade corridor.

This year’s delegation will participate in a range of business matchmaking sessions, buyer meetings, networking engagements and trade-focused discussions designed to facilitate market access and create opportunities for long-term partnerships. Delegates will also participate in strategic engagements aimed at deepening trade relationships and fostering sustainable economic collaboration between Africa and China.

Luthando Vuba, Head of International Trade at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank Group, said:

“For nine years, CIIE has provided a powerful platform for African businesses to showcase their products, capabilities and innovation to one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets. We have seen firsthand how access to the right networks, buyers and market insights can translate into meaningful commercial outcomes for our clients.”

“This year’s delegation of 20 businesses reflects the depth of entrepreneurial talent and export potential that exists across the continent. Our role is to help remove barriers to trade, facilitate strategic connections and create opportunities that support sustainable business growth. Through initiatives such as CIIE, we are enabling African businesses to access new markets and participate more meaningfully in global value chains.”

Through Standard Bank’s Africa–China Trade Solutions (ACTS), clients are supported with a comprehensive suite of services designed to simplify and accelerate cross-border trade. These include trade finance, foreign exchange solutions, buyer introductions, market advisory services and support in navigating regulatory and market-access requirements.

The bank’s strategic partnership with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), China’s largest commercial bank, further strengthens its ability to facilitate trade between Africa and China. By leveraging ICBC’s extensive network and local market expertise, Standard Bank is uniquely positioned to connect African businesses with opportunities in China while providing practical support throughout the trade journey.

Since launching its participation in CIIE, Standard Bank has facilitated over 500 buyer engagements, supported African exporters from 12 African markets, and created opportunities for businesses to build relationships with Chinese importers, distributors and investors. These efforts continue to contribute to stronger trade ties between Africa and China while supporting the growth ambitions of African businesses.

As African businesses continue to seek new avenues for growth, Standard Bank remains committed to enabling market access, fostering strategic partnerships and creating pathways for sustainable trade between Africa and China. By combining deep African market expertise with on-the-ground China capabilities, the bank continues to play a leading role in strengthening commercial ties between the two regions.

The 2026 China International Import Expo represents another important milestone in the Bank’s efforts to help African businesses compete and thrive on the global stage. By connecting African exporters to buyers, investors and strategic partners, the bank continues to champion Africa’s trade ambitions and showcase the quality, innovation and diversity of African products to the world.