Chapter 164: Development of the Las Campoli Trade Market
Las Campoli, a former small village in Somalia, experienced a period of prosperity due to the success of the Ras Campoli trade market established by the East African colonies. Although Las Campoli was not officially part of the East African colony, it was conveniently included on the map, simplifying matters. Ras Campoli Market and Ras Campoli Village, in reality, belonged to the East African colony and the fragmented Gradi Sultanate in southern Somalia. The Gradi Sultanate, once powerful, had declined significantly by this era.
The decline of the Gradi Sultanate, which was historically due to its defeat by the Sultanate of Zanzibar in 1871, had weakened its influence. Many Arab merchants flocked to the Las Campoli trade market to purchase materials and commodities, which they then transported to inland areas of North Africa.
Las Campoli Village, under the jurisdiction of the Gradi Sultanate, also benefited from the Ras Campoli trade market. Cost-conscious merchants often chose to stay in Las Campoli Village to save money. However, some merchants, seeking more comfortable accommodations and European-style facilities, preferred to stay in the hotels within the Las Campoli trade market.
After more than half a year of development, the Ras Campoli trade market had become prosperous, rivaling major cities such as Mogadishu in the Gradi Sultanate. This market had become the primary taxation area in East Africa, effectively monopolizing trade between the East African colony and North Africa. The original trade route used by Arab merchants to head south was forcibly interrupted by the expansion of the East African colony.
The East African colonies had implemented two strategies. Firstly, they sealed their borders to prevent natives and explorers from entering their territory. Secondly, they established the Las Campoli trade market for trade with North African merchants. This market allowed the colonies to control trade and maintain economic dominance.
Despite its European-style architecture and complete facilities, the Las Campoli trade market did not generate significant profits for the East African colonies, which would be expected to be more profitable due to the coastal cities like Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. These coastal cities were not heavily taxed, as the colonies avoided imposing substantial fees.
The colonies recognized the challenges of confronting colonists at sea and the importance of maintaining harmonious relations with the maritime powers. Sovereignty was a sensitive issue, and East Africa understood that it couldn't compete with the naval strength of Britain and France.
Tax collection in economically developed port cities like Dar es Salaam was minimal. East Africa's survival relied on the protection offered by its fortifications along the coast, but the presence of Hexingen ships at sea was crucial to maintain immigration and trade routes with Europe and the Far East.
East Africa needed to continue to attract immigrants and facilitate trade. Its population growth was slow, and it would take decades for a new generation to grow up. East Africa's resources were relatively abundant, but crucial resources like coal, iron, and oil were scarce. The region's population was insufficient to defend against Western powers in Africa.
Despite having a larger immigrant population than the previous European colonists in Africa, East Africa still relied on local immigrants for population growth. However, this was a slow process, and the region's potential growth was limited.
The Las Campoli trade market was a different story. Its primary audience was North African Arabs, and East Africa had no concerns about these merchants. East Africa's strength lay on land within Africa, and it held a powerful position in the region.
North Africa's trade routes were mainly land-based, and East Africa was like a great power on African soil. As a result, tariffs were focused on the Las Campoli trade market, which served as an essential trading hub for North African tribes living in the Sahara Desert and oases.
Before European colonization, only a few African countries, such as Egypt and Ethiopia, had engaged in large-scale food crop cultivation. Sub-Saharan Africa mainly practiced subsistence farming, with limited technological advancements. The East African colonies had introduced some innovations in agriculture, such as terraced fields and water conservancy facilities, but these innovations had not widely spread.
Africa's abundant natural resources made it unnecessary to rely heavily on agriculture. Additionally, the lack of good seeds for staple crops and the presence of ample wild plants made traditional farming less appealing. Food was readily available from various tropical fruits and vegetables, and Africa's unique ecosystem provided abundant wildlife.
Agricultural output in Africa was low, and North Africa's cultural influences and eating habits were distinct from those of sub-Saharan Africa. North Africa primarily imported food from the Mediterranean and the Middle East. The East African colony offered an additional channel for trade, with Arab merchants from Somalia participating in competition with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern merchants.