European colonial powers occupied most of the African continent during the 19th century to pursue imperial ambitions and economic exploitation [1].

This period of annexation fundamentally reshaped the political and economic landscape of Africa. The legacy of these borders and the extraction of resources continue to influence the continent's geopolitical dynamics today.

The process of colonization accelerated following the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 [2]. This meeting of European states coordinated the partition of African territories among several powers, including France, Britain, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, Italy, and Spain [1].

While the partition was extensive, the continent was not wholly colonized. Large parts of Africa maintained their sovereignty during this era [1]. Most notably, Ethiopia and Liberia remained independent states despite the surrounding European expansion [1].

Historical analysis emphasizes that the drive for colonization was rooted in the desire for resource extraction and territorial control [2]. This systemic annexation occurred approximately 140 years after the Berlin Conference [2].

The remaining independent territories served as exceptions to the broader trend of European dominance. Ethiopia's ability to maintain independence is often linked to its military success, while Liberia's status was tied to its founding by Afro-American settlers [1].

“The continent was not wholly colonized.”

The colonization of Africa was a systematic effort by European states to secure economic and strategic advantages. The fact that Ethiopia and Liberia remained independent challenges the narrative of total European hegemony and highlights the diverse ways African states interacted with or resisted imperial expansion during the 19th century.