ABSTRACT
The 2000s saw relatively high African per capita growth figures. This trajectory was constructed on the back of a commodity price boom and was not autonomous but rather dependent (under-)development. The commodity price hike in itself can be attributed to the robust growth of emerging economies, particularly China.1 High growth rates and the increase in activities by emerging economies across Africa were then extrapolated to eulogize a supposed ‘Africa Rising’. However, beyond the growth figures, ongoing dynamics deepened the continent’s dependent position in the global economy, something which in itself was established by the colonial legacy. In short, presentday economies of the African countries are characterized by a lop-sided dependence on the export of raw materials, and the import of manufactured goods.2 There is no evidence thus far to suggest that Africa’s structural profile is improving and African economies are integrated into the global economy in ways that are generally unfavourable to the continent and ensure structural dependence.
