Conditions in Africa that led to colonisation

A map of Africa before partition

• Explorers and adventurers had produced reports of economic potential in Africa invited many European countries to rush to acquire colonies
• Traders operating in Africa called upon their mother governments to acquire colonies so that they are protected against rivalries
• Missionaries thought it wiser for mother countries to establish political control so that their missions are successful
• Businessmen like Cecil John Rhodes also wanted to control Africa from Cape to Cairo
• Africa was weak economically and could not resist invading forces due to limited capacity
• Africans also were lagging behind in technology and could not match the weapons used by European settlers
• There was lack of unity among African communities and states

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