Was Africa ever on top?

YES

There were many african kingdoms or civilizations(like the Egyptian empire, Ashanti empire, and etc), Especially during the 14 & 15 century.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZdyQaTJOOw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnFqNVluXFA&feature...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FciCAXYWx3s&feature...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZvez_CUVi0&feature...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9LkpJdll9A&feature...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEqqmmY6bLo&feature...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b3YK8QMJdg&feature...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIL8P6DX9Ns&feature...

In ancient times Egypt, and Carthage were two powerful countries. Carthage nearly destroyed Rome. Also during the dark ages Africa had a resurgence with a lot of discoveries while Europe regressed. Recently no but things change over long periods of time. Look at the rise of Asia and how China, Korea and Japan have become some of the most important actors in world politics 80 years ago everyone would have laughed in your face at such thoughts. Africa will take some time and has some things that really need to be worked through to get there, but in time who knows.

Actually yes. One of the greatest civilizations was Egypt and there were empires in Ethiopia and Sub-Saharan Africa I believe. Africa was great for trading because it was so close to the middle eastern. They usually traded with Arabs.

Africa is a continent mate

At one time, Egypt had the greatest empire in the ancient world.

No, if you are talking about economic prowess, the west was industrialised first and had, and still will always have the upper hand.

Ancient history aside.

Africa dominated the slave trade.

No. A book called, "Guns, Germs and Steel" offers a pretty good theory. Synopsis:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guns,_Germs,_and_Stee...