Why did europeans first take an interest in the african continent

Well, there was an abundance of resources. More prominently, ivory. Another reason is a growing trend of Darwinism and paternalism from Europeans who believed they needed to help the "savages".

And yeah, slaves were also a big part in it. Especially for the Americans. But the mining of resources was really the reason for the event being called the r_pe of Africa. (The site won't let me type out the word)

The second option is correct according to edgenuity