Africa is the second largest continent covering deserts, forests, and grasslands full of wildlife. Transport has historically been challenging due to Africa's geography and poverty. In ancient times, Egyptians used camels for desert trade routes while bullocks pulled carts across the Sahara. The development of the internal combustion engine in the 1920s transformed motor transportation and distribution across Africa. Early railways were partially built to access remote regions and transport supplies and exports, helping facilitate administration and trade. Recent infrastructure projects have sought to improve road networks through initiatives like the Trans-African Highway system.