They were useful sources of gold & spices and a medium for trading. (i.e. They could utilize them as middlemen) Also, there were slaves they could obtain through these nations.
The West African trade empires made their money mainly by trading slaves, salt and gold.
You're suppose to tell me
Slavery existed in African trade long before europeans arrived
The Saharan trade extended from the Sub-Saharan West African kingdoms across the Sahara desert to Europe. The Saharan Trade linked such African empires as Ghana, Mali, and Songhay to the European world.
The slave trade had massive influence over African Politics. West and East Africa were depopulated during the slave trade. This weakened native's states like the Oyo Empire and strengthened other empires like Ashanti.
for the natural resources founded in Africa
salt and gold
The West African trade empires made their money mainly by trading slaves, salt and gold.
You're suppose to tell me
The slave trade was the reason most Europeans started to look for African colonies. Europeans made a lot of money from selling slaves.
Trade networks kept Europeans from controlling the sources of trade items such as gold and ivory.
The Saharan trade extended from the Sub-Saharan West African kingdoms across the Sahara desert to Europe. The Saharan Trade linked such African empires as Ghana, Mali, and Songhay to the European world.
Blowjobs
Salt and Gold
europeans began to search for a water based trade route to Asia
The old African empires crumbled due to warring.
KongoKongo