How did European exploration affect Africa and the slave trade?

European exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries significantly impacted Africa by establishing trade routes and facilitating the transatlantic slave trade. European demand for labor in the Americas led to the capture and exportation of millions of Africans, disrupting societies and economies across the continent. This exploitation intensified existing rivalries among African kingdoms, as some engaged in capturing and selling their rivals to European traders. Ultimately, the slave trade had devastating effects on African populations and contributed to long-term social and economic challenges.