Both the Kingdom of Kongo and the Swahili coast were significantly impacted by their roles in global trade during the seventeenth century, particularly as a result of Portuguese involvement.
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Prominence Due to Portuguese Involvement: The Kingdom of Kongo initially engaged with the Portuguese through trade, which allowed it to gain prominence and access to European goods. Over time, however, this relationship deteriorated, and the Kingdom lost control of the lucrative slave trade as the Portuguese and other European powers took more direct control over trade routes.
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Loss of Resources and Power: The Swahili coast, known for its trade in gold, ivory, and other valuable resources, initially benefited from Portuguese trading interests. However, as Portuguese influence grew, particularly in the Indian Ocean, the Swahili coastal cities faced challenges in maintaining their economic power and autonomy. The imposition of colonial trading practices led to a decline in their ability to extract resources and manage their own trade networks effectively.
In summary, both regions experienced a rise in prominence through their initial engagement with Portuguese trade, but ultimately faced significant declines in power and control over resources as European interests expanded. The Kingdom of Kongo lost significant control over the slave trade, while the Swahili coast struggled to maintain its economic influence amid shifting trade dynamics.