Why did the Songhai Empire become economically successful?

It made the eastern city of Gao its capital.
Its empire included territory in the Sahara desert.
It had access to important trade routes on the Atlantic Ocean.
Its large territory allowed the Songhai to control the trans-Saharan trade network.

1 answer

The Songhai Empire became economically successful primarily because its large territory allowed the Songhai to control the trans-Saharan trade network. This control enabled the empire to profit significantly from the trade of valuable commodities such as gold, salt, and other goods that were in demand across North Africa and beyond. Their strategic positioning along major trade routes facilitated trade and commerce, contributing to the empire's wealth and economic power. While other factors mentioned may have contributed to the empire's prominence, the control of trade routes was the most critical for its economic success.