Final answer:
The kingdom of Mali became a hub for trade due to its control over trade routes and valuable resources such as gold and salt. Mali's rulers taxed trade and used the wealth to promote Islamic scholarship.
Step-by-step explanation:
The kingdom of Mali became a hub for trade primarily because of its control over key trade routes and valuable resources. The cities of Timbuktu, Gao, and Djenné were important trade centers for goods such as gold, salt, ivory, copper, and enslaved people. Mali's rulers, including Sundiata Keita and Mansa Musa, effectively taxed trade and used the wealth to attract scholars and build centers of Islamic scholarship.Furthermore, the agricultural aspect of Mali's economy supported trade, with sufficient rainfall and specialized crops providing stability. The intersection of diverse economic activities, the allure of gold, Islam's spread, and substantial state governance solidified Mali's position as a primary trade hub until the 16th century, when it was superseded by the Songhai Empire.