Editor's note: This series explores how China's zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries that took effect on May 1, is reshaping trade opportunities across the continent. In this episode, cashew farmers in Nigeria look to a new Chinese market as a chance to explore new markets and expand their incomes.

Nigeria is facing a pivotal moment in its trade relationship with China. While the zero-tariff policy on selected African exports has sparked optimism, questions remain about whether Africa's largest economy can fully capitalize on the opportunity.

Skeptics point to long-standing structural challenges, ranging from weak infrastructure and high export costs to limited industrial capacity, which could prevent Nigeria from converting preferential access into meaningful economic gains.

For cashew farmer Joseph Jimeshio, accessing the Chinese market has long been difficult. Despite rising global demand, barriers such as expensive export logistics and inadequate processing facilities have kept his business small.

The zero-tariff policy offers a potential turning point.

"We lost many opportunities due to high export and processing costs. With zero tariffs from China, it's a big advantage, but we still need government support to meet export requirements," Jimeshio said.

Nigeria's cashew sector is already gaining momentum. The industry generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually, with exports reaching nearly 385,000 metric tons.

By 2025, cashew nuts had become the country's third-largest export product, highlighting their importance in diversifying away from oil. Trade experts argue that this shift could mark a broader economic transformation if backed by deliberate policy action.

According to international trade analyst Charles Onunaiju, Nigeria must go beyond rhetoric and actively support key sectors:

"If diversification is taken seriously and critical actors are incentivized, the economy can shift significantly toward long-term growth," he said.

Nigeria exports more than 90% of its cashew output in raw form, missing out on higher earnings from processed goods such as kernels, oils, and industrial byproducts.

Countries like Vietnam, India, and Brazil dominate the value-added segment, capturing jobs, technology, and premium pricing.

Economist Isaac Botti warns that without industrial development, Nigeria risks missing the benefits of zero tariffs altogether.

"If the current trade structure continues, Nigeria will not benefit. The only way forward is massive investment in manufacturing," Botti said.

The Nigerian government is working to address these gaps through coordinated reforms. Efforts are underway to improve regulatory standards, streamline export processes, and strengthen collaboration between agencies responsible for quality control and trade facilitation.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole highlights an inter-ministerial approach aimed at aligning Nigeria's exports with international standards, particularly for access to the Chinese market.

Experts agree that unlocking Nigeria's export potential will require significant investment in infrastructure, including reliable electricity for processing industries, efficient ports and transport networks, modern aggregation and storage hubs, and scalable processing facilities.

The success of the zero-tariff policy will ultimately depend not just on access to foreign markets, but on Nigeria's ability to build strong domestic value chains.