The captured control of the african gold trade by 1500 from north african muslims.

portuguese.

Explanation:

In the 15th century, Portuguese pioneers considered they had enough knowledge, experience, and national determination to attempt the development of oceanic trade routes with Africa and Asia.

Their ultimate intentions were in Asia, yet they understood that to be able to reach Asia, the circumnavigation of Africa was required.

They wanted to establish contact with Mali and to redirect the trans-Saharan gold trade from the Muslims from North Africa.