CHINA AND NEO-COLONIALISM IN AFRICA: A NEW DILEMMA IN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT

bstract In recent decades, China has emerged as a dominant economic and political actor in Africa, significantly shaping the continent’s development trajectory. While its engagement is often framed as mutually beneficial, offering investments in infrastructure, energy, and resource extraction, critics argue that it reflects patterns of neo-colonialism. This paper examines China's role in Africa, exploring how its economic policies, lending practices, and bilateral agreements mirror historical colonial dynamics, despite China's official non-interference policy. It delves into the impact of Chinese investments on African economies, assessing the extent to which they contribute to sustainable development or exacerbate debt dependency and economic inequality. This new dilemma in African development challenges the continent's quest for sustainable and inclusive growth. The paper argues that while Chinese involvement offers short-term gains in infrastructure and economic growth, it risks perpetuating dependency and undermining long-term development goals. Additionally, the paper addresses concerns about environmental degradation, labor rights violations, and the erosion of local industries. By analyzing case studies from various African countries, this study illuminates the complexities of Sino-African relations, arguing that while China presents opportunities for growth; its engagement also poses significant risks for African sovereignty and long-term development. The paper concludes by proposing frameworks for African countries to navigate this new dilemma in their development paths, ensuring that foreign partnerships support their autonomy and equitable growth. This abstract highlights the central themes of China's involvement in Africa and the debate over whether it represents a form of neo-colonialism in the context of African development. Keywords: Neo-colonialism, Belt and Road Initiatives, BRICS, Underdevelopment, New World Economic Order.