In the seventeenth century, both the Kingdom of Kongo and the Swahili coast were significantly impacted by their roles in global trade, particularly in relation to European engagement, most notably with the Portuguese.
The Kingdom of Kongo faced challenges, particularly in maintaining control over the slave trade, which became increasingly dominated by European traders. This resulted in the kingdom losing substantial power and influence as it struggled to adapt to the changing dynamics of the trade. The internal strife and the pressure from European powers led to a decline in Kongo's authority and territorial control.
In contrast, the Swahili coast was profoundly affected by the changes in trade routes and the increased European presence along the coast. While initially benefiting from trade with the Portuguese and other European powers, the Swahili city-states ultimately faced competition and disruption that undermined their abilities to extract resources and maintain their economic independence.
Therefore, the most accurate response to compare their situations is: The Kingdom of Kongo lost control of the slave trade, while the Swahili coast lost its power to extract resources.
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