On this page, we will be guiding you on how to pass Grade 10 Songhai Empire essay questions for your tests and exams.
Songhai Empire is part of your Term 1 learning objectives for the History Grade 10 subject. The following topics ar importantfor week 2 – week 4 of Term 1:
Songhai: An African Empire in the 15th and 16th centuries (around 1340 to 1591)
- The Songhai Empire under Sonni Ali: Government and society
- Travel and trade in Songhai at the height of its power (Arab, Italian and Jewish merchants at Timbuktu)
- Learning and culture
- Fall of the Empire: Moroccan invasion of 1591
Important Terminologies for Songhai Empire Essay Grade 10
When dealing with Songhai Empire essay, the following sections are very important:
- Empire: This is a big area of land which is ruled by one person or the government.
- Oral Tradition: This refers to sharing of stories and history through talking and not writing.
- Federation: This refers to a group of states that are working together under the main government.
- Mansa: A king or ruler in ancient Mali.
- Caravans: These are groups of people traveling together, often for trade.
- Civil War: This refers to a fight that happens amongst people in the same country.
How African Kingdoms Became Powerful
When dealing with Songhai Empire, as a Grade 10 student, it is important to understand how African kingdoms were formed and became powerful.

African kingdoms became very powerful in the world because of the following:
- Great Kingdoms started from about the year 700 AD in West Africa.
- These kingdoms became powerful due to their control of gold and salt across the Sahara Desert.
- The main reason why salt was highly valued, is because it could preserve meat in Africa’s hot climates.
- The Gold which was mined in West Africa had a great market value in both the Arab world and Europe.
- Arab traders were the link between Africa and what was referred to as the outside world.
- Trade routes across the Mediterranean Desert took gold out of West Africa and brought salt into West Africa.
- Kingdoms that controlled these trade routes became rich and powerful.
- The first of these kingdoms was Ghana, followed by Mali, and finally Songhai.
- Songhai became wealthy through trade
Songhai Empire Essay Questions from Real Past Papers
Essay Question 1
The Songhai Empire grew from the savannah region of West Africa through conquest and expansion in the mid-15th century. In light of the above statement critically discuss the growth and activities of the Songhay empire during the 15th century. This is a 50 marks questions
Essay Question 2
Explain the political, economic and social features of the Songhai and indicate why the empire collapsed in the late 16th century.
Essay Question 3
How Sunni Ali Made Songhai an Empire (1463–1492)?

- Songhai became the most important empire in West Africa, replacing Mali.
- It began as a small kingdom along the Niger River.
- By the 11th century, Gao was an important trade city controlled by Songhai.
- In 1323, Mali invaded and made Songhai a vassal state.
- Mali’s problems in the 15th century helped Songhai gain independence.
- Sunni Ali became king in 1464 and protected Gao from the Mossi kingdom.
- He expanded Songhai’s land and controlled trade routes.
- In 1471, Songhai captured Timbuktu, a cultural and learning centre.
- In 1473, Djenne, an economic hub, was also captured.
- By the 1480s, Sunni Ali defeated the Taureg and Mossi kingdoms.
- He mixed military strength with smart administration.
- Sunni Ali supported traditional African religions alongside Islam.
- This upset Islamic scholars but united different groups.
- His leadership made Songhai powerful in trade, culture, and politics.
- Songhai became a dominant empire under Sunni Ali’s rule.
WHAT WERE THE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL FEATURES OF THE SONGHAI EMPIRE DURING THE 15TH AND 16TH CENTURIES?