Which of the following best explains an effect of the expansion of the Mali Empire on the trans-Saharan trade networks?
A: It led to an increase in trade by imposing the merchant-friendly religion of Islam on its subjects.
B: It expanded commerce by establishing maritime as well as overland connections with the Swahili states of East Africa.
C: It facilitated commercial growth by expanding the number of people participating in the trade networks.
D:It expanded commercial activity by promoting scientific and cultural exchange.
C: It facilitated commercial growth by expanding the number of people participating in the trade networks.