As we start the New Year, we as Africans should take a moment to reflect on our history and consider how far we’ve come as a continent in a short space of time.

It is but a relatively short period of time since most African countries gained independence in the 1950s/60s and as young nations we are still getting to grips with the complexities of running our countries and standing on our own feet.

We must work harder in 2018 to move our continent forward, not only in terms of economic development but also in good governance, equality, corruption, tolerance etc. 

If that is done, Africa, in due process of time, will take its place at the head of the international table and make huge contributions to the world at large.

Each and everyone of us must endeavour to play a significant role in the development of our continent.

Let us all make a determined effort to take the continent to the next level this coming year.

Wishing you all a healthy, peaceful, prosperous, successful and progressive 2018!

The Berlin Conference of 1884–85, also known as the Congo Conference or West Africa Conference regulated European colonization and trade in Africa during the New Imperialism period and coincided with Germany's sudden emergence as an imperial power. 

The conference was organized by Otto von Bismarck, first Chancellor of Germany; its outcome, the General Act of the Berlin Conference, can be seen as the formalization of the Scramble for Africa. The conference ushered in a period of heightened colonial activity by European powers, which eliminated or overrode most existing forms of African autonomy and self-governance.