GLOBALIZATION AND STRUCTURAL DEPENDENCY IN AFRICA: REVISITING DEVELOPMENT CONTRADICTIONS IN THE CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL ECONOMY.

Abstract

Globalization continues to shape political, economic, and socio-cultural relations across the contemporary international system. While globalization is frequently associated with economic integration, technological advancement, and global interconnectedness, its developmental outcomes in Africa remain deeply contradictory. This paper critically examines how globalization reproduces structural dependency and uneven development across African states despite increasing integration into global markets. Drawing on Dependency Theory and World-Systems Theory, the study adopts a qualitative critical review approach based on secondary data from peer-reviewed literature, policy reports, and institutional publications published within the last five years. The paper argues that Africa’s participation in globalization remains largely peripheral, characterized by raw material export dependency, weak industrialization, unequal trade relations, external policy conditionalities, and limited representation within global governance institutions. The study further demonstrates that globalization simultaneously promotes democratization and reinforces authoritarian resilience through digital surveillance, financial dependency, and external geopolitical influence. Socio-culturally, globalization has accelerated hybridization and digital connectivity while intensifying cultural erosion and identity tensions. The paper concludes that globalization in Africa has largely produced “integration without transformation,” where participation in global capitalism has not translated into sustainable structural development. The study recommends strategic industrial policy, institutional strengthening, regional value-chain development, and more equitable participation in global governance frameworks.