The Trans-Atlantic Slave trade begins as the King and Queen of Spain, Ferdinand and Isabel, sign an order permitting the importation of enslaved people into Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti). Because the monarchs wish to convert Native Americans to Christianity, only enslaved black people born in Roman Catholic countries - rather than “pagan” countries or countries where they have had contact with Muslims or Protestants - are allowed to go to Hispaniola. In practical terms, this means enslaved blacks whose families originated in sub-Saharan Africa but who were born in Portugal or Spain are shipped to Hispaniola. When the first group of enslaved black people arrive, many will escape to the hills, and begin fighting Spanish colonists.

Slavery is abolished in all French territories. As is the case worldwide, making the enslavement of human beings illegal does not end the practice. Centuries of investigation and enforcement, into the 21st Century, will be needed.

Roman Rock Lighthouse begins service in Cape Colony, South Africa. Essential to navigation, the 14 metre-tall lighthouse was built to guide British Navy ships sailing from False Bay to Simon’s Town port at night. The cylindrical tower is one of the few lighthouses in the world built on a rock in the ocean.

Liberia announces it is setting up “an International Inquiry Commission, which shall (conduct) an impartial, serious and detailed investigation, to find out whether slavery or forced labour is or is not practised in Liberia.” The Commission will begin work in 1930.

Gold Coast (Ghana) has by far the most successful economy of all Britain’s African colonies, with a gross domestic product 50% ahead of British Nigeria and far ahead of other colonies. The sustainability of a national economy will be a decisive factor determining any colony’s future readiness for independence.

Nigeria’s economy is overwhelmingly tied to Agriculture, with two-thirds of Gross Domestic Product coming from farms and plantations, versus one-quarter from services and only 6% from industry. Economic diversification is required for a self-sustaining economy.

With the Algerian War now in its fifth year, French President Charles de Gaulle reverses his hardline policy against Algerian independence. He now speaks of “self-determination” for the colony.

Japanese-Canadian journalist Norimitsu Onishi coins the word “Nollywood” in a New York Times article to describe Nigeria’s growing motion picture industry.

The U.N. recognises Libya’s National Transitional Council as the lawful representative of the Libyan people as Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and his loyalists face defeat in the First Libyan Civil War.

Eritrean independence hero Hamid Idris Awate is honoured in Mitan, Italy, with a place in “The Garden of the Just.” Italy colonised Eritrea from 1882 until 1941. Awate studied military intelligence in Rome. Awate is also being honoured with a monumental statue of him on horseback with his soldier followers, which will be finished in 2019 at Gergera (Mislam) Dam, Eritrea (pic).

Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete opens a bridge in Uvinza that bears his name. The Kikwete Bridge spans the Malagarasi River.