African slavery played a significant role in the economic development of Mexico during the colonial period. Enslaved people were vital to the production of sugar, coffee, and other agricultural goods, as well as in mining operations and other industries. Large landowners and wealthy merchants relied heavily on slave labor to generate profits.
However, it's important to note that the institution of slavery in Mexico was not as extensive as in some other parts of the Americas. The number of enslaved people in Mexico was relatively small compared to the overall population, and slavery was eventually abolished in Mexico in 1829, following the country's independence from Spain.