Phase 1 — Survival
Stabilize kingdom
Reform agriculture
Create a disciplined army
Stop internal rebellions
Phase 2 — Consolidation
Unite Sahel kingdoms
Control gold and salt trade
Establish an intelligence network
Phase 3 — Maritime Awakening
Build a navy on the East African coast
Compete with Portuguese explorers
Create African trade fleets
Phase 4 — Continental Empire
Rail-like caravan logistics
Adopt gunpowder weapons
Form a pan-African alliance system
Phase 5 — Global Power
Launch an African industrial revolution centuries early
Reverse European colonization