What event began the European stamped for colonies in Africa?

The European scramble for colonies in Africa began in earnest during the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885. This conference, convened by Otto Von Bismarck of Germany, aimed to regulate European colonization and trade in Africa, leading to the partitioning of the continent among various European powers. The competition for resources, markets, and strategic advantage spurred nations to claim vast territories, often disregarding existing African societies and borders. This marked the start of intense imperialist expansion that dramatically reshaped Africa's political and social landscape.