Kongo and the Scramble for Africa – History Of Africa with Zeinab Badawi [Episode 19]
25In this episode Zeinab Badawi travels to Angola, DRC and Congo in central Africa to bring the history of the great Kongo Empire.
📅 Last updated: 01.01.2026
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
💬 What was the Kongo Empire?
The Kongo Empire was a major pre-colonial African state located in central Africa, encompassing parts of modern-day Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of the Congo. It was a powerful and centralized kingdom known for its sophisticated political structure and trade networks.
💬 How did the Scramble for Africa affect the Kongo Empire?
The Scramble for Africa led to the empire’s territory being divided among European colonial powers, primarily Belgium and Portugal. This partition dismantled the kingdom’s unity and incorporated its lands into colonies like the Belgian Congo and Portuguese Angola, ending its sovereignty.
💬 Who was Zeinab Badawi and what did she cover in her Africa series?
Zeinab Badawi is a renowned broadcaster and historian who presented the BBC series “History of Africa.” In Episode 19, she traveled to Angola, DRC, and Congo to explore the history of the Kongo Empire and its experience during the Scramble for Africa.
💬 Where was the Kongo Empire located?
The Kongo Empire was situated in central Africa, spanning the western regions of the present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Angola, as well as the southern part of the Republic of the Congo. Its capital, M’banza-Kongo, is in modern-day Angola.
💬 What caused the fall of the Kongo Empire?
The fall of the Kongo Empire was caused by a combination of the destabilizing transatlantic slave trade, internal conflicts, and finally the European colonial partition during the Scramble for Africa. These factors eroded its power and led to its absorption into European colonies.
