African Trade

AFRICAN TRADEThe Growth of a Continent

Trade Routes Many trade routes crossed Africa in order

to connect villages with the supply of various goods

Two Major Trade Networks Trans-Saharan Trade Indian Ocean Trade

Trans-Saharan Trade Crossed the Sahara Desert Connected North Africa, Europe, and West

Africa Controlled by Ghana, Mali, and Songhai Caravans as large as 10,000 crossed the

desert

Trans-Saharan Trade Goods

From South: Gold, Ivory, Slaves, Spices From North: Salt, Cloth, Metal Ware

Significance Aided the rise of African Empires and

Kingdoms in West Africa Spread Islam through West Africa

Shift in Trade War broke out in West Africa Caused trade routes to shift eastward Swahili city-states emerged in response

to economic opportunities Other empires faded when the trade

routes shifted

Culture and Trade Culture was effected by trade too Islam & Christianity were brought in Mediterranean cultures effected the area

due to Trans-Saharan trade

Gold & Salt Trade Used Trans-Saharan routes Niger River used as water and rest stop Mali/Ghana/Songhai benefitted greatly Gold was needed in the north so that

people could use it as money Salt was needed in the west so that

people could add flavor to their food, or preserve it

Indian Ocean Trade Many countries traded with Africa

through the Indian Ocean Trade Network Not all routes were water based

Indian Ocean Trade Goods

From Africa: Ivory, Slaves, Gold, Iron From China: Porcelain From Burma: Pottery From India: Cloth

Indian Ocean Trade Routes

Major route between East Africa & Asia Made possible by action of monsoons

Dec-Feb: Wind blew north-northeast Apr-Sept: Wind blew south-southwest

Traded with China through intermediary merchants until direct trade began (1400s)

Indian Ocean Trade Significance

Brought prosperity to East Africa Set stage for rise of trading cities (Sofala &

Kilwa) Caused creation of Swahili – Mix of Arabic and

Bantu languages Brought Islam to coastal Bantu speakers