ISSN 2456-2653
server-injected
ArticlesOpen Access

China-Africa Relations: A Critical Analysis of Neo-colonialism and Development

,
DOI: 10.18535/sshj.v9i07.1423· Pages: 8346-8354· Vol. 9, No. 07, (2025)· Published: July 5, 2025
PDF
Views: 849 PDF downloads: 816

Abstract

This article examines the evolving China-Africa relationship, particularly since the 1990s, focusing on economic, political, and social dynamics. While Chinese investments have spurred significant infrastructure growth, the rise of neo-colonial concerns highlights the risks of dependency and exploitation. This study explores whether China's foreign policy in Africa contains elements of neo-colonialism, focusing on the impacts of investment, trade, and political influence on African economies and sovereignty. It aims to provide a balanced and critical analysis of the China-Africa relationship by evaluating both the positive outcomes and the potential risks for the continent’s long-term development.

 

 

 

Keywords

China-Africa relationshipneo-colonialismdependency.

References

  1. Alden, C. (2007). China in Africa. Zed Books.Google Scholar ↗
  2. Alden, C., & Large, D. (2011). China Returns to Africa: A Rising Power and a Continent Embrace. Columbia University Press.Google Scholar ↗
  3. Brautigam, D. (2009). The Dragon's Gift: The Real Story of China in Africa. Oxford University Press.Google Scholar ↗
  4. Chen, Y., & Nord, R. (2017). China's Foreign Direct Investment in Africa: Impacts and Challenges. Journal of African Development, 1(9), 1-18.Google Scholar ↗
  5. Jauch, H. (2011). The Chinese Investment in Africa: Neo-colonialism or Development Opportunity? African Journal of Political Economy, 50, 50-63.Google Scholar ↗
  6. Jian, L., & Frasheri, S. (2014). Africa and China: A New Paradigm in South-South Cooperation. Global Development Review, 193, 193-210.Google Scholar ↗
  7. Larkin, B. (1971). China and Africa 1949-1970: The Foreign Policy of the People's Republic of China. University of California Press.Google Scholar ↗
  8. Lumumba, P. L. O. (2011). Neo-colonialism in Africa: A Critical Appraisal. Journal of African Politics and Development, 234-235.Google Scholar ↗
  9. Monson, J. (2009). Africa's Freedom Railway: How a Chinese Development Project Changed Lives and Livelihoods in Tanzania. Indiana University PressGoogle Scholar ↗
  10. Nkrumah, K. (1965). Neo-Colonialism: The Last Stage of Imperialism. Thomas Nelson & Sons.Google Scholar ↗
  11. Obi, C. (2019). "China and Africa: Opportunities and Challenges for the Next Decade." African Affairs, 118(473), 495–502.Google Scholar ↗
  12. Obi, C. (2019). China’s Expanding Influence in Africa: Risks and Opportunities. African Studies Review, 12, 12-22.Google Scholar ↗
  13. Pilling, D., & Feng, E. (2019). "China and Africa: The Ties that Bind." Financial Times.Google Scholar ↗
  14. Pilling, D., & Feng, E. (2019). China-Africa Trade: Growth and Dependency. The Financial Times, 2(19).Google Scholar ↗
  15. Taylor, I. (2009). China’s New Role in Africa. Lynne Rienner Publishers.Google Scholar ↗
  16. Timothy, D., & Recker, C. (2013). Debt Traps: The New Frontier of China’s Global Influence. University of Chicago PressGoogle Scholar ↗
  17. Timothy, M., & Recker, S. (2013). Chinese Investments in Africa: A Critical Analysis. African Development Review, 61, 61-75.Google Scholar ↗
Author details
Olatunji Olateju
Achievers University
✉ Corresponding Author
👤 View Profile →🔗 Is this you? Claim this publication
Dotun Adebiyi
Post-graduate student of International Relations at the Department of International Relations of Achievers University, Owo in Nigeria
👤 View Profile →🔗 Is this you? Claim this publication