Chapter 353
Chapter 353: Next Stop
The Sultanate of Zanzibar had become a prominent player in the western Indian Ocean, thanks to the growing commodity supply market of the East African Kingdom. Beyond supplying goods, Zanzibar also catered to East African immigrants who rented boats, primarily targeting female immigrants from the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, immigration to Germany and the Far East was facilitated by the Hexingen Ocean Trading Company, occasionally hiring Dutch ships when necessary.
Zanzibar had a rich history in the slave trade, and its experience in transporting people extended to the realm of goods. Areas with shared beliefs, such as India (part), Dutch East Indies, Central Asia, and North Africa, were considered sources of goods. Arab merchants from the Ottoman Empire also contributed to this bustling trade.
While the black slave trade in Zanzibar had declined rapidly in recent years due to increased risks, the East African Kingdom was still able to obtain some resources from Zanzibar. However, Said Jr., the son of the Sultan of Zanzibar, privately complained about missed opportunities for East Africa's development. He recognized that population and scientific resources were scarce, making it challenging to harness the potential of Africa. The Arab presence in coastal areas like Somalia had seen some success over hundreds of years, but the East African Kingdom's advanced "sanitary" concepts set it apart and had greatly improved survival rates.
Said Jr. was content with the current situation, as the Kingdom of East Africa had a cooperative rather than confrontational approach toward Zanzibar, even assisting in suppressing slave rebellions. It seemed that tensions between the two were unlikely during Constantine's reign.
Meanwhile, back in Dar es Salaam, Li Ge and others were finally able to leave the immigration transition point and head to the capital of the East African Kingdom, the first town. They wondered whether the first town would be more prosperous and spectacular than Dar es Salaam.
Aryan expressed his lack of knowledge about East Africa, despite being a citizen of the Kingdom. Li Ge couldn't help but express his frustration at Aryan's limited understanding of his own country.
Li Ge speculated, "According to common sense, the capital of a country should be the most prosperous and carry the most national spirit. So, your capital should be more prosperous than Dar es Salaam."
He reasoned that prosperity didn't necessarily equate to development. Dar es Salaam was economically active and bustling, whereas the first town excelled in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other aspects that Dar es Salaam couldn't match.
As the group contemplated what the first town would be like as East Africa's capital, they were unaware that it was only 50 kilometers away from Dar es Salaam.
(end of this chapter)