Chief Fundikira

In the same area, [Kilimanjaro region] and in permanent competition with Rindi, Sina had by 1870 developed a large army and was active in agriculture and cattle raids. He was still in control of his empire at the arrival of the Germans in 1891.

Coastal Arabs had penetrated deeply into the interior since 1850, establishing trading posts in the Unyanembe region around Tabora under Chiefs Swetu and Fundikira; the Nyamwezi were already known as long-distance ivory traders for the coastal Arabs since the late 18th century.