The Songhai people were well known for their wealth of gold. When the Songhai took control of the Ghana and Mali empires, they gained even more gold. They traded gold for salt with the Moroccans, who imported the salt from the Sahara desert. Salt was a desired trading item because of its use as a spice, a food preservative, and a currency item.
Trading through the Niger River
One of the reasons the Songhai Empire was so wealthy was because it controlled a large trading network in West Africa. With its location on the Niger River, the empire had access to the river’s trade routes. The Songhai exported gold, slaves, ivory, and hippopotamus hides. In exchange, they imported cloth, horses, and weapons.
Songhai's control over the Niger River provided access to trade with the rest of West Africa. Through the river, they exported goods like gold and slaves, and imported salt and other goods from North Africa.