Dependency or agency? psychosocial perspectives on globalisation and China-Africa relations

Globalisation has intensified China’s engagement with Africa, reshaping the continent’s economic, political, and cultural landscape. Yet, the psychosocial dimensions of this relationship remain underexplored. This paper examines China-Africa engagement through an interdisciplinary lens, integrating sociological theories of dependency with psychological perspectives on identity, trust, and resilience. Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative, case-study approach, analysing policy documents, media narratives, and community perceptions in Kenya, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. Findings reveal how globalization transforms African social structures and community identities while generating ambivalent psychological responses - empowerment, anxiety, and negotiation of agency. The paper argues that Africa’s engagement with China should be understood not only in terms of material development but also in terms of the psychosocial dimensions that define its place in the global order. This paper, therefore, recommends that, among others, psychosocial factors should be taken into account by governments when formulating policies. To maintain legitimacy and sustainability, debt negotiations, infrastructure development, and industrialization strategies must take into account community notions of identity, fairness, and trust. Again, local communities ought to be given the authority to actively engage in globalization processes. This entails encouraging communication between Chinese and African actors, supporting grassroots resilience projects, and advancing cultural exchange activities.