African kings and merchants had various reasons for trading slaves to European traders, but some of the main things they wanted in exchange for trading slaves were goods such as weapons, textiles, beads, and other luxury items. They also wanted gold, silver, and other forms of currency, which were highly valued in African societies.
European traders had access to a wide variety of goods that were not available in Africa, such as firearms, which were highly valued by African leaders and merchants as a means of consolidating power and protecting their territories. Textiles and other luxury goods, such as beads and jewelry, were also desirable as they were used to signify wealth and status.
European traders also brought new technologies such as the compass, which helped African merchants navigate the seas and expand their trading networks.
In addition to these goods, European traders also offered to pay African kings and merchants in gold, silver, and other forms of currency, which were highly valued in African societies. This payment was used to finance the development of trade networks, the construction of forts, and the maintenance of armies.
Overall, African kings and merchants traded slaves to European traders in exchange for goods, technologies, and currencies that could help them consolidate power, expand their trade networks, and improve their standard of living.