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Three characteristics of Western African Kingdoms that supported their trade

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Three characteristics of Western African Kingdoms that supported their trade

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What were the two important resources that Western African Kingdoms were centered around?

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What were the two important resources that Western African Kingdoms were centered around?

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Gold and Salt were two of the most valuable resources in Western Africa. Gold was a precious medal that was used as currency for merchants. Salt is necessary for a balanced diet, and preservation of food, which is especially helpful in warm climates and long journeys.

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During the Ghana Kingdom there were many raids and attacks by Muslims. They wanted to convert the people of Western Africa as well as take control of the very valuable trade routes. Although they did not conquer Western Africa militarily they did succeed in converting some of its people. Mansa Musa is evidence of this because not only was he a Muslim but he supported Islamic learning so much that Timbuktu became a center of learning. Having a similar religion allowed for easier trade with Northern Africa because it served as a commonality between the very different civilizations.

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The Kingdoms of Western Africa found the Gold and Salt Trade to be extremely profitable. The profits usually came through taxation. The King of Ghana taxed merchants and goods coming in and out of Ghana. The geographic position allowed for these Western African Kingdoms to reap the benefits of this trade. Their central location meant that they were a common ground between Northern and Southern Traders. Also because of the efforts of Mansa Musa Western Africa's economic position was helped by the fact that Timbuktu became a center of learning  which guaranteed to attract people from around the world to trade.

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The taxation from the trade allowed the Kingdoms of Western Africa to invest heavily in their military. Kings like Mansa Musa were not only very wealthy but funded great armies that they treated very well. The Military was used to protect and expand the borders of the kingdom but more importantly protect the merchants and the trade routes. The Merchants on the trade routes were often happy to pay thier taxes because it meant that they would be safe when traveling along the road.