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The reborn Prince Hechingen of the Swabian branch of the Hohenzollern family perceives the unfolding situation in Europe, where war is imminent. Europe cannot afford to delay. The strategy involves establishing a presence in East Africa, fostering immigration and development, and laying the foundations for agriculture. This gradual approach leverages the crisis to expedite the process of industrialization

African Entrepreneurship History

In the city of Dar es Salaam, whose name meant "safe harbor" in Swahili, the temperature stood at around 30 degrees. The salty sea breeze swept in from the Indian Ocean, swaying the coconut trees along the shore, while the tide rhythmically kissed the white sandy beach.

A Dutch-flagged ship slowly sailed into the port of Dar es Salaam, carrying over 2,000 individuals armed with live ammunition. This formidable group was the German colonial team hired by the Hechingen Bank. Led by a retired Prussian veteran officer and accompanied by an experienced old mercenary, most of them were unemployed Germans armed with second-hand weapons from the Prussian Army.

Their arrival caused anxiety in the Sultanate of Zanzibar, a region known for its ivory and cloves. Zanzibar encouraged Arab traders to venture into the Tanzanian interior to procure slaves and ivory, while locals cultivated various valuable crops. European merchants often stopped in Dar es Salaam, replenishing supplies and buying these valuable goods.

The Sultanate of Zanzibar, an authentic Arab nation, had dealt with European colonists before, often through negotiation rather than conflict. While Europeans considered regions outside of Europe as uncivilized, they also viewed small countries like Zanzibar with some disdain. Despite this, the Prussian team's size and armament had the Sultan of Zanzibar on edge.

During negotiations with the Sultan, the leader of the colonial team, Yarman, identified his group as hailing from the Kingdom of Prussia within the greater German region, which alarmed the Sultan. The Sultan's foreign minister explained the significance of Prussia, emphasizing the power of the European nation.

The Sultan inquired about the purpose of their visit to Zanzibar, voicing concerns about safeguarding the interests of Zanzibar's people, especially concerning ivory and resources in the inland regions.

Yarman assured the Sultan that their intention was peaceful, and they planned to develop farms inland, cultivating tobacco and tropical plants, which were scarce in Europe. To allay the Sultan's worries, Yarman also proposed cooperation and the sale of resources such as ivory to Zanzibar.

After a bit of back-and-forth, the Sultan agreed to their presence and assistance, given the overwhelming size of the Prussian team. However, he imposed certain conditions, including restrictions on the Prussian troops stationed in Zanzibar.

Yarman accepted these conditions and requested permission for an armed group of 20 individuals to protect their staff stationed in the port. The Sultan agreed to this arrangement.

With an agreement in place, the Prussian colonial team had successfully secured a foothold in Zanzibar, which would be pivotal for their future activities in Africa.

Chapter 17