Question

What was one of Portugal’s main goals in exploring the west coast of Africa?

to find the northernmost point of the continent
to claim territory along the coast
to find a sea route to North America
to complete maps of the continent

Answer 1

to claim territory along the coast

Portugal explored the west African coast to establish trading posts, forts, and control of trade routes (gold, ivory, slaves) and to secure maritime footholds for further exploration.