Could German warships reach African colonies in 1940?

Some German surface raiders or long-range submarines could physically reach former African colonies, but Allied interception and the lack of local support would make the operation strategically weak.

Question

Did German surface ships or submarines have the range to reach former colonies in Africa in 1940?

Short answer

Some could reach them, especially ships already deployed or modified long-range submarines, but Allied interception and poor local support would limit their value.

Notes

Range alone does not make the operation useful. A surface raider already at sea might reach a former colony in Africa. It would then encounter Commonwealth cruisers such as Australia and lack secure local support. Modified long-range submarines could also arrive but accomplish little once there. Access, maintenance, supply, and opposition matter more than the map distance.