Sub-saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa, in this alternate timeline, refers to the geographic region south of the Sahara desert. The region is a diverse and expansive collection of nations with unique cultures, languages, and histories. Unlike our own timeline’s history of colonialism, decolonization, and globalization, this alternate timeline presents a unique narrative.

Prior to colonialism

Before the European colonial era, indigenous empires such as the Akan, Benin, Zulu, Malawi, and Yao developed in Sub-Saharan Africa. These nations and empires engaged in extensive commerce, diplomacy, and warfare with their neighbors. They often traded goods, resources, and ideas.

Condition of no colonialism

In this alternate timeline, European powers never institute widespread colonial rule over Sub-Saharan Africa. In contrast to our own history, indigenous peoples created independent and self-sustaining states characterized by unique languages, cultures, and religious practices. These societies developed their own political systems such as monarchies, constitutional republics, socialist states, and ethnic confederacies.

Growth of pan-African networks

Without major colonial disruption, distinct indigenous nations and empires established a growing network of cultural, economic, and political ties. These bonds of mutual interest fostered collaboration between nations across the continent, forming a complex web of sociopolitical alliances and trade partnerships. These alliances bolstered the development of powerful regional blocs and facilitated economic cooperation. Ultimately, these pan-African networks led to the creation of the United States of Africa.

The Atlantic Slave Trade

The Atlantic Slave Trade continued in this alternate timeline and possibly even expanded due to its economic and cultural ramifications. Africans were captured and enslaved, predominantly transported across the Atlantic to serve colonial powers in the New World. The impact of this slave trade had significant consequences for the development of societies across Africa, the Americas, and Europe, causing socio-economic and political struggles that persist in our own timeline.

Rise of the United States of Africa

By the mid-20th century, a new state known as the United States of Africa emerged from the complex tapestry of pan-African alliances. This unified state, situated primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa, was a federalist formation featuring a growing economy and substantial military power. Within the United States of Africa, distinct languages, cultures, and nations thrived as the nation reached out to its neighbors to further consolidate its position as a continental power.

Technological infrastructure and AI

With the reduction of foreign influence in this alternate timeline, domestic development led to substantial investments in technological advancement. The booming tech sector presented innovative solutions to age-old socio-economic and political concerns. Artificial intelligence, ubiquitous mobile internet networks, and advanced surveillance technology contributed to the rapid growth of a vibrant, domestic tech ecosystem. This self-reliant ecosystem in the United States of Africa served as a model for other nations within the region—and became an alternative to traditional foreign aid.

Conflict with China and the US

The growing influence of the United States of Africa brought tension with global powers such as China and the United States. During the 21st century, the nation's rapid ascent sparked geopolitical skirmishes with China and the United States, fueling competition for global dominance and the escalation of military conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa. With tensions running high over scarce resource access, advanced technologies, and geopolitical leverage, the United States of Africa emerged as a leading military power, employing its robust domestic tech sector for military applications such as artificial intelligence, surveillance technologies, and advanced weaponry.

In this alternate timeline, the story of Sub-Saharan Africa is one of cultural self-determination, political independence, and technological innovation. Instead of colonial invasion, the region forged its own destiny driven by pan-African unity and self-reliance. However, the ramifications of this history have led to conflict and competition with global powers. The United States of Africa has taken root as a major player on the international stage with a powerful technological infrastructure rooted in its resource wealth and domestic self-reliance.