The main factor that led to the colonization of Africa in the 19th century was the quest for resources and new markets driven by industrialization in Europe. European powers sought to acquire raw materials such as rubber, ivory, and minerals to fuel their growing industries while also looking for new markets for their manufactured goods. The Berlin Conference of 1884-85 formalized the partitioning of Africa among European powers, often disregarding the existing cultural and political boundaries. This colonization had lasting effects on the African continent, leading to exploitation, cultural disruption, and longstanding socio-economic challenges that are felt even today.