Why Were Europeans Interested in Africa?

Europeans were interested in Africa because of the abundance of raw materials for industries, minerals, cheap labor and to expand their territories. Some of the countries that were especially interested in Africa include Britain, France and Portugal.

One of the most important issues of interest in Africa was the abundance of raw materials for the industries that had been developing in Europe. Finding cheap labor in the form of slaves was another key motivation to Europeans.

Since different countries were expanding their rule or territories, most European countries found it necessary to conquer Africa before their competitors. The need to secure various trading outlets was another cause of interest in Africa.