By WHO TOOK AFRICA: Exploring The History And Global Impact
How many nations come to mind when you think about the nations that invaded Africa?
At the 1884 Berlin conference, chaired by the German chancellor, 14 countries were involved in the sharing of AFRICA: Twelve from Europe, one from North America (USA), and one from Asia (Turkey). Let’s explore the history together.
Interestingly, even countries you wouldn’t typically link to colonization had their share of involvement. Sweden and Denmark, though small, once traded in present-day Ghana. The Ottomans, now known as Turkey, ruled over Libya, Egypt, and Sudan, controlling trade routes and imposing taxes on local populations. Spain claimed territories such as Western Sahara, Equatorial Guinea, and parts of Morocco.
Italy established colonies in Libya, Eritrea, and Somalia but met fierce resistance in Ethiopia, which successfully defended its sovereignty. The Netherlands settled in South Africa, laying the groundwork for apartheid. Germany seized control of what is now Namibia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and parts of Cameroon.
Portugal carved out a colonial presence in Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, and Cape Verde. Meanwhile, Belgium’s King Leopold II took over the Congo, exploiting its resources like rubber and ivory under cruel and oppressive conditions.
France amassed a vast colonial empire, including Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, Chad, and Gabon—maintaining influence in many of these regions to this day. But the largest share of colonization belonged to Britain, whose empire stretched across Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and beyond. Their justification? Spreading “civilization.”
Despite centuries of exploitation, Africa’s essence remains untamed. Its resilience, spirit, and cultural vibrancy have withstood the test of time, defying colonization in every meaningful sense.
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