The most valuable African exports to Europe were gold and ivory. Gold was found in great quantities in West Africa, and it was used to make jewelry, coins, and other luxury items. Ivory was also highly prized, and it was used to make furniture, carvings, and other decorative objects. European traders were willing to pay high prices for these goods, and they often exchanged them for cloth, guns, and other manufactured goods.
Slaves
The transatlantic slave trade was one of the most important trade routes between Africa and Europe in the late 15th century. European traders transported millions of African slaves to the Americas, where they were forced to work on plantations and in other labor-intensive industries. The slave trade was a major source of wealth for European traders, and it played a significant role in the development of the global economy.
Spices
Africa was also a source of spices, such as pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. These spices were used to preserve food, and they were also used in medicine and religious rituals. European traders were eager to obtain these spices, and they were willing to pay high prices for them.
Textiles
Textiles were another important African export to Europe. African textiles were made from cotton, wool, and silk, and they were often decorated with intricate designs. European traders were impressed with the quality and beauty of African textiles, and they began to import them in large quantities.
The Columbian Exchange
The Columbian Exchange was a term used to describe the transfer of plants, animals, and diseases between Europe, Africa, and the Americas after the voyages of Christopher Columbus. This exchange had a profound impact on the economies and cultures of all three regions. For example, the introduction of European crops, such as corn and potatoes, to Africa, helped to improve agricultural productivity and food security. The introduction of African crops, such as yams and cassava, to the Americas, also had a major impact on the local diet. The Columbian Exchange also led to the spread of diseases, such as smallpox and measles, which decimated the indigenous populations of the Americas.