The European colonization of Africa took place during the Age of Imperialism, with various European powers seeking to establish their presence and control over African territories. This colonization was driven by a combination of economic, political, and strategic interests.

One method used by European powers to acquire colonies was through the signing of treaties with African leaders. These treaties often exploited existing rivalries or power dynamics among African tribes and kingdoms. For example, in the late 19th century, the British manipulated the rivalries between African chiefs in what is now present-day Zimbabwe to acquire mining and farming rights.