Four reasons for the European Colonisation of West Africa: (i)They were in search of new markets fcr legitimate trade.
(ii) Extension of cultural heritage e.g. The French wanted to extend their self acclaimed agriculture to Africa hence their policy of assimilation.
(iii) To provide security for their traders, trade routes and workers
(iv) To halt slave trade and slavery.
(v) To find outlets for surplus capital.
(vi) Search for raw materials for home industries.
(vii) To acquire more colonies for their glory and prestige
(viii) To find employment for displaced Europeans