From the back of the box:

Relive the colonial adventure with AFRICA 1880 ! Between 1880 and 1914 european nations fiercely raced to gain control of the "dark" continent. Each player represents a nation exploring and colonizing Africa. The success of their adventure, however, has more to do with intrigue in the luxurious parlors of the embassies than hacking a way through the jungle. Negotiating alliances and declaring war are what change the face of the world !