The Royal African Company was established in 1660 in England to engage in trade along the west coast of Africa. Its primary focus was on the lucrative trade of enslaved people, gold, and other goods. The company was granted a royal charter, which gave it a monopoly over English trade in the region for several decades. The company played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, transporting thousands of enslaved Africans to the Americas. Over time, it faced competition from other traders and eventually lost its monopoly in the early 18th century, leading to its decline and eventual dissolution in 1752.