Question

the indian ocean has long been a region for contact, trade and the transfer of goods, technologies and ideas between distant groups of people. . . . africas role in the emergence of an increasingly connected indian ocean world deserves more consideration because it played a key role in the events and transformations of the early indian ocean world. . . .
the earliest swahili settlements . . . provide evidence for significant indian ocean trade activities. . . . the presence of small quantities of chinese pottery suggests that traders visited the east african region, offering products from the middle east and lands beyond.
in exchange for these goods, africa exported pearls, rhinoceros horn, ivory, timber, and slaves. . . . the swahili operated at the intersection of two vast trading spheres, enabling and encouraging the movement of goods between the african interior and the indian ocean world.
source: \east africa and madagascar in the indian ocean world,\ academic article published in the journal of world prehistory by a group of historians in 2013.
which development most strongly facilitated economic growth along the swahili coast in the postclassical period as described in the passage?
the creation of the mali empire
the emergence of new taxation systems
innovations in maritime technology
a decline in overland trade following the bubonic plague

Explanation:

The passage emphasizes trade in the Indian Ocean, with the Swahili at the intersection of trading spheres. Maritime technology innovations would enhance ocean - based trade. The Mali Empire was more inland (not directly related to Swahili Coast's Indian Ocean - centered growth). New taxation systems aren't mentioned as a driver. A decline in overland trade (due to bubonic plague) isn't the main focus; the text highlights oceanic trade.

Answer:

Innovations in maritime technology