What business opportunity brought europeans to Niger river?

Answer 1

The primary business opportunity that attracted Europeans to the Niger River was the lucrative trade in gold and other Natural Resources, including palm oil and ivory. The river served as a vital trade route, facilitating the movement of goods and enabling European traders to establish commercial relationships with local kingdoms. Additionally, the demand for slaves in the transatlantic slave trade further intensified European interest in the region, as the Niger River provided access to various communities. This combination of resource exploitation and trade opportunities significantly shaped European involvement in West Africa.