The migration that transformed Africa's languages, genes, and cultures

A migration of Bantu speakers from western Africa introduced ironworking and a new way of life to eastern and southern Africa around 6,000-4,000 years ago, transforming the region's technology, languages, and cultures. The Bantu speakers are credited with developing advanced iron-smelting furnaces, including ones that used natural-draft technology, which made iron production more efficient. This innovation allowed for the creation of tools such as hoes, axes, and arrowheads, which contributed to the spread of agriculture, livestock, and settled communities. The impact of the Bantu migration is still evident in the languages spoken in the region today, with over 350 million Africans speaking one of the 500 distinct Bantu tongues.