Ancient Ghana derived power and wealth from gold and the introduction of the camel during the Trans-Saharan trade increased ... became eclipsed by the Mali Empire of Sundiata.

Unlike Portugal which was determined to hang on to its colonies, Britain had by the end of the war reckoned that running the Empire was more ... in the whole of Sub-Saharan Africa.

What is clear, is that the Empire derived power and wealth from gold. And the introduction of the camel in the Trans-Saharan trade boosted the amount of goods that could be transported.