Zanzibar's Indian Ocean Sugar Empire and the Mombasa Connection

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a lesser-known chapter of Zanzibar's economic history: the rise of sugar plantations on the island and its connection to Mombasa and the Swahili coast. They discuss how Omani and Indian entrepreneurs transformed Unguja's hinterland into a sugar-producing zone, the role of enslaved labor, and the rivalry with British sugar from Mauritius. The episode highlights figures like Sultan Barghash's failed sugar refinery, the influence of Indian merchant Jairam Sewji, and the environmental impact of sugar monoculture. Lucas also brings in the story of Mombasa's sugar mills and their link to Zanzibar's trade networks. The conversation concludes with a reflection on how sugar, like cloves, reshaped the islands' society and ecology. #Zanzibar #Sugar #IndianOcean #OmaniEmpire #SwahiliCoast #Mombasa #BarghashBinSaid #JairamSewji #SugarPlantations #Slavery #Unguja #Pemba #Mauritius #19thCentury #EconomicHistory #Agriculture #FexingoHistory #History #SpiceIslands #SlaveTrade Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo