The main driving factor behind Songhai’s strong economy was its control of the trans‑Saharan trade routes , especially the trade in gold and salt.

Why control of trade mattered

By dominating the key caravan routes across the Sahara, Songhai could tax goods moving between West Africa and North Africa, turning trade into a steady stream of wealth. These routes carried gold from West Africa and salt from Saharan mines, along with other valuable items like slaves, ivory, and textiles.

How this made Songhai rich

  • Songhai controlled major commercial cities such as Gao and Timbuktu, which became hubs for merchants and markets.
  • The state collected taxes, customs duties, and tribute on caravans and river traffic, multiplying its income.
  • This revenue funded a powerful army, impressive urban centers, and cultural and educational institutions, reinforcing the empire’s strength.

Supporting factors (but secondary)

Agriculture along the Niger River, including crops supported by irrigation and dikes, also helped sustain the population and provided surplus for trade. However, historians consistently highlight mastery of the trans‑Saharan trade in gold and salt as the central engine of Songhai’s economic power.

In short: agriculture fed Songhai, but control of the trade routes made it rich.

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