Trans-Saharan Trade

Added: 2026-05-25

[00:00:00]I welcome you all to history class from St. Finbar's College. My name is Mr. Fisayo.

[00:00:05]>> [music] >> As we all know, the study of history is important to us as students and as a nation. Today, we will consider the Trans-Saharan trade. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to define the trade, its [music] nature, the routes, factors that promoted it, and its [music] effects. Trans-Saharan trade was the long-distance exchange between sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa across the vast desert. This trade peaked from the 8th to the 17th century, involving great empires like Ghana, Mali, Songhai, and Kanem-Bornu. The trade began between the 5th and 7th centuries, facilitating early contact between Africans and the Arabs. Berber merchants organized the trade, employing Tuaregs as desert guides to find vital wells and pastures. West Africans traded gold, ivory, and slaves for North African goods like horses, books, swords, and salt. The trade relied on the barter system and metal currency, which supported this massive economic network. [music] Major trade routes included the western route to Timbuktu and [music] the central and eastern routes through cities like Kano and Tripoli. Key factors promoting trade were the camel, the high demand for gold and salt, the spread of Islam, and stable empires. The effects were profound. The spread of Islam increased literacy, the growth of wealthy cities, and significant cultural exchange. That concludes our look at the Trans-Saharan trade. Study these points carefully. See you in the next history class.