Europe's economic impact on Africa was far greater than Africa's economic effect on Europe. Contrary to various economic theories of imperialism, Africa was not a major outlet for European investment or exports. In the early twentieth century, Britain's investments in Canada alone were larger than its investments in Africa and India put together---and more British money went to the United States than to Canada.France and Germany were likewise reluctant to sink much of their money into Africa. Commercial trade with Africa was similarly trivial for the economies of the European imperial powers.
Sowell, Conquests, PB, p.117. See also Bairoch. Niall Ferguson, etc., Nicholas Wade.
So, why did the European states bother conquering Africa at all?
See prior post quote from Sowell, special interests.
Additionally, conquering it used up proportionally so little of their military capabilities that use of military resources was not a deterrent argument.
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