What did Africans do to iron ore during the iron age to make it possible to create iron tools and weapons?

During the Iron Age in Africa, people smelted iron ore in furnaces to extract the iron and remove impurities like silica. They then heated and hammered the iron to shape it into tools and weapons, a process known as blacksmithing. This technological advancement led to the ability to create stronger and more durable iron tools and weapons, revolutionizing African societies.