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Major Contributions of Africa to World Civilization
1. Africa Before European Invasion
Africa was full of great empires like Mali, Ghana, Songhai, Benin, and Kush.
These societies had strong governments, trade systems, and education.
Timbuktu was a famous city known for learning and books.
2. Development of Writing Technology
Ancient Egyptians created hieroglyphics, one of the earliest writing systems in the world.
The Meroitic script was used by the Kingdom of Kush in Sudan.
Nsibidi was a native script used in southeastern Nigeria.
Even without writing, Africans preserved history through oral traditions (storytelling, proverbs, and praise-singing).
3. Contribution to Building the New World
Millions of Africans were taken as slaves to work in the Americas.
They helped build farms, railroads, and cities.
Africans brought their skills, music, food, religion, and culture, which shaped the modern world.
4. Traditional System of Administration
Before colonization, Africa had strong political systems like:
Kings and queens (monarchies)
Elders’ councils
Chiefdoms and empires
Colonial rule later changed these systems and introduced foreign styles of governance, causing problems after independence.
5. Nationalist Movements and Political Issues
After many years of colonial rule, Africans started fighting for independence.
Key leaders included:
Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana)
Nnamdi Azikiwe (Nigeria)
Obafemi Awolowo (Nigeria)
They wanted freedom, better government, and African unity.
Today, African politics still faces challenges like:
Ethnic conflict
Corruption
Weak institutions
Military takeovers.