The factors that promoted international trade along the east African coast

When Seyid Said took control of Zanzibar, he encouraged foreign traders to trade with Zanzibar in order to develop new markets for products from the East African mainland.

He strived to attract Indian money lenders (Banyans) to come and settle in Zanzibar, which increased the volume of trade in east Africa.

the factors that promoted international trade along the east African coast.

• The Monsoon winds, which facilitated transport.
• Trade between the coast and the far east, which existed before the 19th century.
• Demand for goods at the coast and the outside world.
• Availability of trade goods like ivory, gold, slaves, beads and guns.

• Protection of Arab and Swahili traders by the Sultan.
• The deep harbours and good beaches as well as the accessibility of the region by sea, which attracted traders.
• Imposition of a unified customs duty of 5% by the Sultan, which encouraged trade.
• Introduction of a monitory system by Seyid Said, which facilitated trade. Copper coins, Spanish Crown and Maria Theresa dollars were used.
• Indian Banyans or Baluchis (money lenders), who financed trade by giving credit facilities to the traders.