Revisiting Dependency in the Twenty-First Century: A Critical Analysis of Africa–China Relations

Abstract This research assesses the characteristics of today’s Africa–China relations using dependency theory, world systems theory, neocolonialism, and South-South cooperation, using comparisons between historical African dependence on European colonial powers and recent reliance on China in terms of trade, infrastructure, debt, and technology. This research identifies how contemporary cooperations either continue previous patterns of economic and political subordination or create a transformation of those relationships or provide a challenge to them. Using qualitative comparative historical analysis, along with specific case studies and secondary sources (academic journals, speeches, government publications, etc.), the research demonstrates that while Africa-China relations exhibit fewer structural features of classical colonialism, they display greater similarities with the colonial and dependency experience particularly regarding trade composition, infrastructure finance, and technology transfer; however, there exist growing and limited examples of African agency in the area of dependency and underdevelopment—when collective action and institutional strength can be applied. In light of these findings, the paper outlines policy recommendations designed to maximize African bargaining power, increase transparency, and foster long-term mutually beneficial partnerships—in order to ensure that the future of these relationships is based upon proactive strategies by African governments, and increased collective action among African nations, rather than continued dependency.