In the 1700's the colonization was primarily targeted to the recently discovered regions of the American continent. Coincidental to this period is the establishment of European colonies that served first as trade posts in India and overseas in Southeast Asia. During this period, European interests in Africa primarily focused on the establishment of commercial routes. Sadly , slave trade was predominant there.
The primary goal of colonization were to expand markets, as this territories served as commercial routes, along this explorations, market expanded and further adventures eventually transformed discovered territories into colonies from European settlers.