Beyond the Mapmakers: Unveiling the Endogenous Roots of Africa's Colonial Borders

To substantiate these claims, the study employs a rigorous empirical methodology, analysing two original datasets. The first dataset utilises a statistical analysis of square grid cells to assess the prevalence of border segments in areas with significant precolonial states, rivers, and lakes. The second involves case studies of all 107 bilateral borders in Africa, documenting the primary and secondary physical features of each border, the years of major revisions, and the direct influence of historical political frontiers. This comprehensive analysis offers empirical support for the theory that European powers, while determining broader spheres of influence, engaged with local African rulers and negotiated borders that frequently aligned with precolonial boundaries and significant geographic features.