How did Portuguese exploration lead to the creation of a trading empire ?

Europeans became involved in the slave trade, seeking larger numbers of slaves for their plantations; African states expanded the slave trade to meet European needs and gain wealth

Explanation:

stretching from Africa through the Indian Ocean to India? ... They gained exclusive exploration and trading rights over half the world, which helped expand its wealth and power and limited competition from rival European powers

During the fifteenth century, Spain hoped to gain advantage over its rival, Portugal. ... Their goals were to expand Catholicism and to gain a commercial advantage over Portugal. To those ends, Ferdinand and Isabella sponsored extensive Atlantic exploration.

With its strong government support, Portugal was able to lead in overseas explorations. ... Henry was aware that there was great wealth beyond Europe due to an early exploration he was on. Portuguese invaders found spices and large supplies of jewels, gold, and silver in the city of Ceuta in North Africa.