Mercato is the largest open-air market in Africa, covering several square miles and employing an estimated 13,000 people in 7,100 business entities. The primary merchandise passing through the Merkato is locally grown agricultural products — most notably coffee.
Kejetia Market. The Kumasi Central Market, also known as Kejetia Market, is an open-air marketplace in Kumasi, a city in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The market has over 8,000 stores and stalls, making it the largest single market in West Africa.
Some traders in the popular Onitsha main market on Ifejika street, near Sokoto road, in Anambra stateare currently counting their losses after fire engulfed their shops today March 28. The inferno, which reportedly started in one building around 6:20 am, spread to an adjacent building, destroying all items on its way.
Africa's oldest recorded market, Ogiso Market in Igodomigodo (now Benin Kingdom, Nigeria) dates back to 60BCE. West Africa's first bank, Owigho in the Benin Empire of Nigeria by Oba Eresoyen. Construction work started in 1740 AD and was completed in 1743 AD.
What is the most famous West African trading city?
Founded in the fifth century on the edge of an ever-encroaching Sahara Desert, the storied city of Timbuktu served as a gateway for ideas, people, and trade goods linking distant cities in North and West Africa.
Which country has the biggest interchange in West Africa?
The Pokuase Interchange is a four level stack interchange situated at Pokuase Junction, in Accra, Ghana. It is the largest interchange in West Africa upon its completion.
Lagos, known for commerce and industrial activities, clinched the first position, followed by Rivers and Akwa Ibom. However, Niger took the 10th position, leveraging its rich agricultural heritage, vast arable land and mineral resources (see chart below).
What major city in West Africa became the largest trading center?
Timbuktu was once a center of trade and culture. It was an important city in the Mali Empire and the Songhai Empire. In the early 1300s, Mansa Musa, the famous ruler of the Mali Empire, traveled through Timbuktu.
The indigenous people of Onitsha are Igbo and speak the Igbo language with Onitsha being the largest urban area and commercial hub of the Igboland region of Nigeria, the Igbo people's indigenous homeland.
The current Obi is His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe. Photo of the current Obi of Onitsha: His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe in his white regalia.
Onitsha is also known for the annual Ofala Festival, which honours the obi. Onitsha's industries include tire retreading, sawmilling, and printing. A textile plant is located on an industrial estate south of the town near the bridge.
Kurmi Market is one of the oldest and largest local market in Africa. It used to serve as an international market where North African and some European goods were exchanged for domestic goods through trans-Saharan trade. The market was, and still is, laid out' in lanes.
Which country in West Africa has the highest population?
Nigeria has the largest population in Africa. As of 2025, the country counted over 237.5 million individuals, whereas Ethiopia, which ranked second, has around 135.5 million inhabitants.
Which city was the largest and most famous trading city in West Africa?
Timbuktu: An Islamic Cultural Center. Timbuktu, the legendary city founded as a commercial center in West Africa 900 years ago, is synonymous today for being utterly remote.
