How did religion, natural resources, and location each determine the prosperity of African societies?

Historically, only those who were converted to Islam were allowed to rule or even to engage in any ind of comercial trading, showing how religion affected a society's prosperity.

Regarding location, areas that were located near trade routes where a lot of traders passed could prosper either by taxation or by developing trading.

Finally, natural resources were the main source of wealth for African societies, specially around the 14th century. A civilization with plenty access to gold would consequently posses higher wealth.