Summary
Highlights
The Trans-Saharan Trade Network connected North Africa and the Mediterranean world with interior West Africa, expanding significantly after 1200 due to key innovations.
The introduction of the Arabian camel and the development of camel saddles facilitated easier travel and increased cargo capacity across the difficult Sahara Desert. Caravan serais, similar to those on the Silk Roads, provided vital rest stops for merchants.
Various regions specialized in different goods, leading to demand for trade. Key exports included gold, kola nuts (a source of caffeine), horses, and salt, with salt being especially high in demand across the continent.
The expansion of the Trans-Saharan Network led to the rise of powerful states, most notably the Empire of Mali. Its conversion to Islam connected it to the economic trade partnerships of Dar al-Islam, making Mali exceedingly wealthy through gold exports and taxing merchants.
Mansa Musa, Mali's most influential ruler, showcased the empire's immense wealth during his Hajj pilgrimage. His generous spending of gold in Egypt significantly devalued the precious metal, demonstrating Mali's economic power as a result of its participation in the Trans-Saharan Network.