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Buddhism spread along the Silk Road, mainly to China but also to Greece. However, what would happen if travelling monks brought the teaching of Buddha along the ocean routes to East Africa?

POD: Buddhist monks travel along the ocean trade routes to spread the teachings of the Buddha and land in modern day Tanzania. Though the monks make numerous journey to the continent and set up a small monstery, the teachings don't really take hold with the locals. However, it was until the Bantu-speaking people migrate into the area from the Niger region. The Bantu people quickly adopt the Buddhist religion and it develops within Bantu society and traditional religion with a certain African twist, such as an African-looking Buddha. As such, Buddhism remains within East Africa til modern day.

How would a large Buddhist presence in East Africa affect the region? Would East Africa be a richer or poorer area because of Buddhism? Would the colonial powers have a different attitude towards Buddhist East Africa? Sadly, I have so little knowledge on the region, any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
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