Part 7/11:
The elevation of the African continent creates steep rises from the coastline, complicating infrastructure development. Nearly all of the continent is elevated above 300 meters. This terrain results in rapid descents of rivers, rendering them unmanageable for shipping and trade. For example, the Congo River, the second longest in Africa, is rendered impassable just short of its mouth.
This rugged terrain also impacts land transportation. Building roads that would facilitate easy access to trade routes becomes increasingly difficult, time-consuming, and expensive.