To what extent was the decline of the Ottoman Empire the most significant reason for the growth of European activity in Africa?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that the growth of European activity in Africa was largely caused by the decline of the Ottoman Empire. Candidates may refer to factors such as problems in the Ottoman Empire (the “sick man of Europe”), which left the region susceptible to European expansionary aims and facilitated European colonization of North Africa. There may be reference to the achievement of autonomy in Egypt under Muhammad Ali and growing Anglo-French interests for strategic and economic reasons. These led to the British occupation of Egypt in 1882. While other relevant factors, for example the role of traders in east, west and south Africa and the impact of missionary activity in encouraging inroads into the continent, may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the suggestion.