In the 1500s, the portuguese explored and colonized lands around the coast of africa. what was the primary motivation for portuguese exploration of coastal africa at this time? a. the portuguese wanted to exploit rich mineral resources in the interior of africa. b. the portuguese wanted to reach saudi arabia to convert islamic believers to christianity. c. the portuguese wanted to reach india and the far east to control trade in silk and spices. d. the portuguese wanted to establish settlements that would allow slave raids into the interior of africa.