The German presence in Africa is often overlooked when one thinks about colonisation.

Today this long-forgotten episode of German and African history is being re-examined as new efforts are driven by scholars, institutions and governments alike.

At a time of growing awareness of global inequalities, colonial history gives key explanations about contemporary international dynamics.

To understand the relationship between Germany and Africa, you have to dive into the past.

In the first of a five-part series, Emmanuelle Chaze looks at Germany's relatively short colonial history.