The kingdom of Aksum was the first kingdom to extend control over trade. They did this by making their own currency and establishing hegemony over the Kingdom of Kush. They also participated in politics of the other kingdoms in the Arab nations.
APEX: Control of trade routes
The first West African kingdom based on wealth from trade was the Ghana Empire. Flourishing between the 6th and 13th centuries, it became a powerful state due to its control over trans-Saharan trade routes, particularly in gold and salt. The empire's prosperity attracted traders and influenced the development of subsequent kingdoms in the region, such as Mali and Songhai.
The kingdom of Israel lost access to an easy trade route when the twelve tribes divided. This division resulted in the formation of the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Without a united front, Israel lost control of important trade routes, impacting its economic prosperity.
Songhai
The Kingdom of Songhai became prosperous due to its control of trade routes, especially along the Niger River. Additionally, its abundant natural resources such as gold and salt contributed to its wealth. Lastly, strong leadership and a well-organized military helped maintain stability and expansion of the kingdom.
The Egyptians took control of Nubian trade around the early Middle Kingdom period, approximately during the 20th century BCE. This control was solidified as Egypt expanded its influence southward into Nubia, establishing trade routes and exploiting the region's rich resources, particularly gold. The Egyptians sought to secure these trade networks to enhance their economy and power. By the New Kingdom period, this control was even more pronounced, with military campaigns and the establishment of fortresses in Nubia.
Ghana
If they conqured it they could make them pay you tribute and they would no longer have to trade with them.
The Songhai Empire.
The kingdom did a lot of trade with its neighbours. In Shakespeare's play Richard III there is a famous part where the king says he would trade his kingdom for a horse. Trade is important to any kingdom, in order for it to survive.
One factor that did not lead to the rise of the Oyo Kingdom is its geographical location, which was primarily driven by the kingdom's strategic control of trade routes and access to resources rather than its position on the map.
The rise of the Dahomey Kingdom can be attributed to factors such as strategic location, strong military organization, control of the slave trade, and effective administration by its rulers. Additionally, the kingdom's use of firearms obtained through trade with European powers helped solidify its power in the region.