Why were most african countries unable to resist european imperialism during the scramble for africa?

They didn't have the military power to defend themselves.

Europeans had access to advanced technology developed during the industrial revolution. (Apex)

c, to compete

2686-2181 bce-- "egyptian civilization developed along the nile river in large part because the river’s annual flooding ensured reliable, rich soil for growing crops."

1069-664 bce-- "ancient egyptians developed wide-reaching trade networks along the nile, in the red sea, and in the near east."