Why were GAO Timbuktu and Jennie were important in trade?

Gao, Timbuktu, and Jennie were vital trade centers in West Africa during the medieval period, primarily due to their strategic locations along trans-Saharan trade routes. They facilitated the exchange of gold, salt, and other goods, connecting sub-Saharan Africa with North Africa and beyond. These cities not only served as commercial hubs but also as centers of culture and learning, attracting traders, scholars, and travelers from various regions. Their prominence significantly contributed to the wealth and influence of empires like Mali and Songhai.