Before the ascent of European colonization, the true onset of imperialist aggression and diplomatic pressures, Africa stood as a unique, untapped continent home to many peoples and cultures since ancient times. In fact early African history, prior to the late nineteenth century, is characterized by the rapid growth of a diverse mix of indigenous people through involvement in trade in the Atlantic and the Indian oceans. Considering various influences, from the spread of Islam to the increased sale of ivory and slaves, one can begin to identify recurring instances of innovation and diversity in practically every aspect of pre-colonial Africa. As the desire for African products grew around the world, innovation in the streams of African exports and finance rose to prominence to most adequately meet the consistent demand in ports like Zanzibar. Further, with the large influx of foreign …show more content…
From the extensive trading networks in Sundiata’s old Mali to the novel ruling approaches of Chaka’s polities in South Africa, these ideas have been present since ancient times. Thus, with oceanic trade on the rise on the Atlantic and Indian oceans, it was only natural for these aspects to transfer over into a more mercantile Africa. Albeit this was the case in many other places around the world, Africa is unique in that it is a continent constantly influenced by external forces, yet maintaining cultural adherence to its old principles. Starting with the spread of Islam, all the way to the onset of imperialism in the late nineteenth century, Africa and its inhabitants have evolved to adapt to global circumstances one after another. However, whether it is through maturation of financial processes and exports or through attracting foreign traders, principles of innovation and diversity have remained constant in frequency and have progressively become a tenet to what the continent stands