Yes, the Kanem-Bornu Empire was heavily involved in the institution of slavery and the Trans-Saharan slave trade.

Slavery was a fundamental part of the empire’s economy, military, and political structure for centuries.

Key Aspects of Slavery in Kanem-Bornu

1. Economic Engine (The Trans-Saharan Trade):
   • Slaves were the most significant export commodity of Kanem-Bornu, serving as the main source of wealth alongside other goods like salt, ivory, and ostrich feathers.
   • The empire exported these captives north across the Sahara Desert to North Africa (mainly to markets in Tripoli and Cairo) in exchange for vital commodities like horses, firearms, silks, and copper.
   • Many of the empire’s frequent military campaigns were essentially slave raids (ghazwa) conducted against non-Muslim populations to the south of Lake Chad to secure new captives for sale.
2. Internal Role in the Empire:
   • Slaves were integral to the Kanuri society and were used for a variety of internal purposes, including:
     • Military: Slaves held positions as soldiers and military officers. The imperial cavalry and military strength relied on them.
     • Administration: Slaves often rose to positions of power, serving as administrators and trusted advisors to the Mais (kings) and later the Shehus.
     • Labor: They were used as domestic servants and settled in agricultural estates for farming.
   • The nature of slavery within Kanem-Bornu often differed from the Atlantic system, as some slaves were able to achieve significant status, wealth, and even own their own property, including other slaves.
3. Source of Slaves:
   • Slaves were primarily acquired through raiding and conquest of neighboring, non-Muslim communities, which were often justified under the banner of a jihad (holy war).
   • The practice of capturing and trading people was one of the core reasons the empire maintained a large, professional army.