What notable economic aspect did the Songhai Empire have?

• A. It relied on agriculture alone
• B. It expanded its gold trade
• C. It banned slavery
• D. The slave trade benefited the Songhai Empire

Answer: (D)

The question centers on how the Songhai Empire generated wealth through its trade networks and the role that labor and commerce played in sustaining its economy. Songhai controlled the trans-Saharan route that connected West Africa with North Africa and beyond, collecting taxes on caravans carrying gold, salt, and other goods. Slavery was woven into this trading system: enslaved people were part of long-distance trade networks, and selling enslaved individuals brought in substantial revenue, with tax proceeds feeding the state, armies, and administration. This means that, beyond precious metals, the slave trade itself became a notable source of wealth for the empire, helping to fund expansion and governance in a way that the other options don’t capture as fully.