Answer:
Humanity originated in Africa, and as soon as human societies existed they began to engage in economic activities. The earliest humans were hunter-gatherers who lived in small family groups. Even then there was considerable trade that could cover long distances. Archaeologists have found evidence that the trade in luxury items such as precious metals and shells occurred throughout the entire continent. This is how the economic history of Africa begins to be recorded.
African economic history often focuses on explanations of poverty and obscures other aspects such as the achievements of African farmers, traders, and states, including improvements in food security and episodes of economic growth. [1]