How did the elements of absolutism and enlightenment creep into Africa?

Absolutism and Enlightenment ideas influenced Africa through colonialism and the interactions between European powers and African societies. European nations, driven by absolutist principles, sought to expand their empires, imposing centralized authority and governance structures on colonized regions. Enlightenment ideals, such as individual rights and rational thought, were often introduced through missionary efforts and education, though they were frequently adapted to fit local contexts. This complex interplay led to both resistance and adaptation among African societies, as they navigated these foreign concepts while asserting their own identities.