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Today in Africa — May 1, 2026: China Opens Its Market to Africa with Zero Tariffs, Iran War Raises Food & Aid Risks in Africa

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On May 1, coverage includes: South Africa becoming the first African nation to send zero-tariff exports to China; rising fertilizer, fuel, and shipping costs linked to the war in Iran threatening food supplies, farming, and humanitarian aid across the continent; and more.

Lihle Z. Mtshali
Lihle Z. Mtshali Today in Africa & Newsletter Editor
A farmer applies fertilizer on cabbage at a farm in Jibia on February 17, 2024.
The head of global fertilizer giant Yara warns that soaring prices could trigger a global scramble for supplies, leaving poorer countries priced out just as planting season begins in most of Africa.

Every day, OkayAfrica shares a roundup of news we’re following but haven’t published as full articles. These short updates cover what’s happening on the continent — in culture, politics, and beyond. For more on stories like these, be sure to check out our News page, with stories from across the regions.

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South Africa Sends First Zero-Tariff Exports to China as Trade Rules Shift

South Africa has become the first African country to export goods to China under Beijing’s expanded zero-tariff policy, with a 24-tonne shipment of apples clearing customs in Shenzhen after import duties dropped from 10% to zero. The move opens China’s market to goods from 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties, as part of a push to expand exports beyond oil and minerals into agriculture, processed foods, and manufactured products.

What this could mean for Africa:

  • The zero-tariff policy runs until April 30, 2028, and excludes only Eswatini because of its diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

  • China is Africa’s largest trading partner, with annual trade between the two topping $280 billion in recent years.

  • Analysts say countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana are well-placed to grow exports of fruit, coffee, cocoa products, and leather goods.

  • Africa’s trade deficit with China rose 65% last year to about $102 billion, highlighting a deep imbalance in the relationship.

  • Economists warn that tariff cuts alone will not fix weak infrastructure, limited industrial capacity, or Africa’s heavy reliance on raw commodity exports.

Iran War Sparks Fears of Food Shortages Across Africa

The war in Iran is driving up fertilizer, fuel, and shipping costs, raising fears of food shortages and higher prices across Africa, where many countries already depend on imports and farmers often use too little fertilizer to begin with. The head of global fertilizer giant Yara warns that soaring prices could trigger a global scramble for supplies, leaving poorer countries priced out just as planting season begins in sub-Saharan Africa, while the United Nations says the war is hampering the delivery of aid to refugees in places like Sudan and Chad.

Why Africa is especially exposed:

  • Urea prices have jumped by 60% to 70% since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran at the end of February.

  • Gulf states produce about 35% of the world’s urea, while ammonia production has also been hit, tightening global supply.

  • Ethiopia and Kenya are among the African countries heavily reliant on nitrogen-based fertilizers from the Middle East.

  • The cost of sending UN aid from Dubai to Sudan and Chad has more than doubled, rising from $927,000 to $1.87 million.

  • The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says higher transport and fuel costs are reducing its capacity to deliver aid at a time when its global refugee appeal is only 23% funded.

Edgar Lungu’s Remains Stay in South Africa as Family’s Court Fight Continues

The remains of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu will stay at a mortuary in Pretoria East in South Africa, while a legal battle between his family and the Zambian government plays out in South Africa’s Supreme Court. Lungu died in South Africa in June last year after a long illness, and is yet to be buried. His family is pushing to bury him privately in Johannesburg, saying one of his final wishes was that current Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema should not preside over his funeral, while also accusing the government of carrying out a post-mortem without their consent.

What’s at the center of the dispute:

  • A South African court ordered yesterday, Thursday, April 30, that Lungu’s remains be kept in a “mutually agreed mortuary” with family access protected.

  • The family says Lungu’s body was moved and examined without any relatives present.

  • Zambia’s government wants the remains repatriated for a state funeral in Zambia.

  • The family has appealed an earlier High Court ruling that ordered his body returned home.

  • The Zambian government has been ordered to cover mortuary costs while the appeal is heard.

In Brief: More Stories Today

Uganda Man Sentenced to Death for Nursery School Killings

A Ugandan court has sentenced Christopher Okello to death for the machete killings of four children at a nursery school in Kampala earlier this month, rejecting his claim that he was mentally unwell at the time. The fast-tracked public trial, held in an open-air “mobile court,” drew cheers from mourners, though legal groups criticized it as lacking fairness and raised concerns about Okello’s mental health.

JNIM Calls for Uprising as Mali Crisis Deepens

Al Qaeda-linked group JNIM has called on Malians to overthrow the military government and embrace Sharia law, days after coordinated attacks that killed Mali’s defense minister and saw rebels seize more territory in the north. Security sources say militants have set up checkpoints on major roads leading into Bamako, while the Azawad Liberation Front has captured the northern town of Tessalit.

U.S. Rebukes Zambia Over Stalled $1 Billion Health Deal

The United States has criticized Zambia for failing to enter into a new health aid agreement that would provide more than $1 billion in support for HIV, malaria, maternal health, and disease preparedness. Outgoing U.S. Ambassador Michael Gonzales says months of outreach went unanswered, leaving funding to continue without a clear long-term plan, while Zambia says it remains open to dialogue through diplomatic channels.

Sahel Alliance Launches Air Campaign After Mali Attacks

Niger says the joint anti-jihadist force formed with Burkina Faso and Mali carried out heavy air operations in Mali following last weekend’s major insurgent assault. The response comes after coordinated attacks by jihadists and Tuareg separatists killed Mali’s defense minister, captured Kidal, and pushed the region’s military-led alliance deeper into crisis.

U.S. Sanctions Former DRC President Joseph Kabila

The United States has imposed sanctions on former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila, accusing him of backing Rwanda-linked M23 rebels and fueling instability in eastern Congo. The move freezes any U.S.-held assets and blocks him from the U.S. financial system, as Washington tries to revive a fragile peace process in the conflict-hit region.

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