Great Zimbabwe was built on a gold trade route, giving the empire an impact of wealth. The leaders of Great Zimbabwe taxed the traders who used the gold trade routes, as well as the smaller empires surrounding them.

Kilwa was an important and popular trade destination because traders from India could arrive in Kilwa in one monsoon season. Goods came into Kilwa so that Asian merchants could purchase them.

Kilwa took control of Sofala, a port city. This city was a large trading port for gold, which was mined inland. Kilwa controlled the gold trade which made them the most powerful coastal city state. Ibn Battuta was a famous trader and traveler and came to the port in Kilwa. Cotton, beads, coconuts, honey and lemons were also popular items traded at Kilwa. "Merchants from African cities such as great Zimbabwe sent gold, metals, ivory, leopard skin, grain, and slaves to Kilwa and other coastal states either by sailing them on major east-flowing rivers or by trekking them over land."

Economy of Great Zimbabwe and Kilwa