Trade in Ancient West Africa

Many ancient West African civilizations were built on trade, so their most successful leaders were peacemakers rather than warriors. Beginning in the seventh century CE, caravans from North Africa crossed the Sahara to trade with the kingdoms of West Africa. Traders exchanged gold for something the West Africans prized even more: salt. Salt was used as a flavoring, a food preservative, and a means of retaining body moisture.

Berbers from North Africa were the first traders to trek across the Sahara in significant numbers. They brought Islam across the desert and converted many West African merchants, though most ordinary people kept their traditional beliefs. The ancient West Africans, like Native Americans and Sumerians, believed that many gods existed in nature and did not accept the Muslim belief in one God.

West African traders who converted to Islam encountered many economic advantages. Literacy spread because belief in Islam encourages Muslims to learn the Quran. The language of the Quran—Arabic—became a common language of merchants and traders. Strict Muslims follow Islamic law. It was easier to solve disputes when both parties agreed on the laws. Conversion to Islam also opened up new trading possibilities across North Africa and Arabia. Many Muslims make a holy pilgrimage to Mecca. The traders met new people and discovered different cultures on their journey. About 44% of people in sub-Saharan Africa today practice Islam—a legacy of those early traders.