The primary motivations behind colonial expansion in Africa were driven by economic, political, and social factors. European powers sought access to valuable resources, including minerals, rubber, and agricultural yields to fuel the Industrial Revolution. Political rivalries among nations further incentivized the desire for territorial acquisition to establish dominance. Additionally, a sense of missionary zeal drove some colonizers to spread Christianity and European culture. The culmination of these motivations led to increased competition for control of African territories, resulting in significant changes in local governance, economies, and societal structures, often with negative repercussions for indigenous populations.