Explain the factors that led to the development of long distance trade in East Africa.

Answer 1

The development of long distance trade in East Africa was driven by a number of factors. One of the most important was the availability of resources in the region. East Africa is home to a variety of natural resources, including gold, ivory, and spices, which were highly sought after by traders from other parts of the world. This made East Africa an attractive destination for merchants looking to make a profit.

In addition, the region’s geography played a role in the development of long distance trade. East Africa is located at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, making it an ideal location for trade between the Middle East, India, and Africa. This allowed merchants to easily transport goods between these regions, creating a lucrative trade network.

Finally, the development of long distance trade in East Africa was also driven by the presence of powerful empires in the region. The Swahili city-states, the Kingdom of Aksum, and the Sultanate of Zanzibar all played a role in facilitating trade between East Africa and the rest of the world. These empires provided a safe and secure environment for merchants to conduct their business, as well as a stable political and economic environment. This allowed merchants to take advantage of the region’s resources and establish long distance trade networks.