Which African state, known for its iron working, developed along the Nile around 1000 B.C.E.?

The African state known for its ironworking that developed along the Nile around 1000 B.C.E. is indeed Kush. This ancient kingdom, located to the south of Egypt in what is now Sudan, played a significant role in the early development of metallurgy. Kushite craftsmen were adept at ironworking, which allowed them to produce tools and weapons that were essential for agriculture, warfare, and other aspects of daily life.

Kush was also characterized by its complex society and rich cultural heritage, having connections to both Nubian and Egyptian civilizations. The advancements in ironworking would have significantly influenced trade and military power in the region during that time.

The other states mentioned, such as Mali, Ghana, and Songhai, rose to prominence much later and were more associated with trade across the Sahara and the development of empires in West Africa rather than the early ironworking and cultural developments along the Nile.