What draws the interest of the Europeans to Central Africa? Who was involved? What country lead the exploration?

Why did European explorers take an interest in Africa in the 1800's? ... They saw African societies as possible markets for the goods produced in European factories, some went to Africa for religious reasons and the British claimed lands in Africa to prevent German or French expansion.

The correct answer is consent of the governed.
In political science consent of the governed is the notion that a government's legality and moral right to rule is only acceptable and lawful when agreed to by the people or society over which that political power is applied.