The Mali Empire was prominent in trade and culture in West Africa during the 14th century. At its height, it controlled significant trade routes across the Sahara Desert, facilitating commerce in gold, salt, and other valuable goods. The empire's wealth, particularly during the reign of Mansa Musa, allowed it to become a center of Islamic culture and education, with the city of Timbuktu emerging as a renowned hub for scholars and traders alike. The Mali Empire's influence on trade and culture laid foundations that would impact the region for generations to come.