New Book The First Marketplace: Africa’s Role in Shaping World Trade Explores Ancient Africa’s Leadership Role in Global Commerce
United States, 20th Mar 2025 – A groundbreaking new textbook, The First Marketplace: Africa’s Role in Shaping World Trade, by scholar and cultural historian Dr. Kim Cliett Long, is now available. This work highlights Africa’s foundational contributions to global trade, tracing its rich economic and cultural exchanges from ancient marketplaces to the modern global economy.
Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Dr. Long uncovers the economic ingenuity of African civilizations, the trade networks that linked the continent to Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and the enduring influence of Africa’s market traditions on global commerce. The book challenges long-held narratives that have historically marginalized Africa’s role in economic history, restoring its rightful place at the center of world trade.
“In telling the story of ancient Africa’s historic trade networks, we are not just looking at the past—we are reclaiming the truth about Africa’s enduring influence on global economies,” says Dr. Long. “Africa was never a passive player in world history. From gold, salt, and textiles to art, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, its contributions continue to shape markets today.”
The cover of The First Marketplace features artwork by internationally acclaimed artist Jonathan Green, whose vibrant depictions of African and Gullah culture have long celebrated the resilience and ingenuity of African-descended communities. Speaking about his contribution to the project, Green states, “Art is a historical record in its own right. The movement, color, and energy of African trade history inspired my work on this cover, honoring the people whose hands and minds built thriving marketplaces across continents.”
Dr. Long adds, “The connection between trade and cultural expression is undeniable. Markets have always been more than places of commerce—they are spaces of creativity, resilience, and community.”
This book is an essential read for anyone interested in economic history, African heritage, and the deep-rooted connections between past and present trade systems. The First Marketplace: Africa’s Role in Shaping World Trade is now available for purchase online and in select bookstores.
For media inquiries, interviews, or review copies, please contact Dr. Kim Cliett Long at klong@aamaritimehistory.org or 843-790-3233.
About the Author
Dr. Kim Cliett Long is a historian, educator, and scholar dedicated to uncovering and amplifying the economic and cultural contributions of African and African-descended peoples. She is the Project Administrator of the Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center at the University of South Carolina Beaufort and an expert in African maritime history and cultural exchange.
About the Cover Artist
Jonathan Green is an internationally recognized artist whose work celebrates the culture, history, and traditions of the coastal African diaspora. His paintings are known for their vivid colors and powerful storytelling, capturing the beauty and resilience of African and African American self-sufficient coastal communities.
Media Contact
Organization: Kim Long
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Country: United States
Release Id: 20032525497