Why at the beginning of the twentieth century were western powers vying to dominate africa?

The western powers trying to dominate Africa is a time period referred to as the "Scramble for Africa." These western nations were fighting over Africa for several different reasons including the need for cheap labor, the desire for materials (like gold), and the desire to sell their products in a new market. This scramble for colonial possessions in Africa was really driven by the Industrial Revolution and the ability to make goods at a much more efficient rate.