The zero-tariff regime gives China's soft power a boost, but may lead to uneven gains, say analysts.

China will scrap tariffs for all African countries from Friday – except Eswatini, which maintains ties with Taiwan.

The analysts believe the exclusion of Eswatini is a political move with limited economic impact.

In fact, Jain believes that this “may even help Eswatini win even more economic concessions from Taiwan”.