Why did both the axis and allied powers want to control north africa

They wanted to have access to oil and natural resources and control of the Suez canal.

Explanation:

The axis power and the allies power wanted to control north Africa because they were interested in having access to the regions oil and access to the Suez canal for transportation of the oil.

The Axis powers wanted to stop the Allies from having access to the oil supplies, to secure and increase Axis access to the oil, and to stop the British from accessing the resources. They both wanted to gain control of The Suez canal because it was a great way of having access to oil in the middle East.

norsemen from northern countries had made earlier journeys