Talk | Deconstructing The ‘Chinese’ in Africa by Melike Toprak

Young Scholar Seminar Series #40

Chinese Capital and Local Agency in Kenya’s Housing Sector

with Melike Toprak (UCL)

Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London is pleased to host the 40th session of its Young Scholar Seminar Series, featuring Melike Toprak, PhD Candidate at the Development Planning Unit, UCL.

This talk explores the role of Chinese actors in Africa beyond common assumptions that portray them as a single, homogeneous group. Focusing on the housing sector in Nairobi, the presentation examines how Chinese construction firms and developers operate within local markets, and how their projects are shaped through interactions with local actors.

Drawing on extensive fieldwork in Kenya, including interviews, participant observation, and survey data, the research highlights the diversity of Chinese actors—their migration histories, motivations, and adaptive strategies—as well as the often overlooked but critical role of local agency in shaping urban development outcomes.

The talk also considers how Chinese state and private capital intertwine in international contexts, creating distinct investment dynamics. It further unpacks the complex relationships between Chinese companies, local professionals, and government institutions, revealing uneven distributions of benefits within Kenyan society.

This event offers valuable insights for those interested in urban studies, development, global investment, and Africa–China relations.

📅 Date: Friday, 1 May 2026
🕡 Time: 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 5HA
🗣️ Language: English
🎟️ Admission: Free (registration required)

Melike Toprak is a PhD student at the Development Planning Unit at UCL. Her research is at the intersection of studies of critical geopolitics, development studies and international relations. Specifically, she focuses on China’s opening out in African countries, the role of African actors and the operations of Chinese construction companies in Africa.

This talk forms part of the Young Scholar Seminar Series organised by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London since 2017.

For more information on the event, please visit Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London’s Website: https://yeelondon.org.uk/ or email us at londra@yee.org.tr

IMPORTANT NOTES: As this is a free event, we often experience a number of no-shows. To make sure seats don’t go empty, we may issue a limited number of additional tickets. Admission is therefore subject to venue capacity and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that registration or an e-ticket does not guarantee a seat, and standing admission may be possible.

Photography and filming will take place during the event for archiving, marketing, and promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to Yunus Emre Institute using such images and footage in related publications, digital platforms, and promotional materials.

Thank you for your understanding.