The African kingdom known for its trade wealth and powerful rulers like Mansa Musa is the Mali Empire. Flourishing from the 13th to the 16th century, the empire became renowned for its wealth, particularly from gold and salt trade. Mansa Musa, who ruled from 1312 to 1337, is often regarded as one of the richest individuals in history. His famous pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 displayed his immense wealth and generosity but also inadvertently caused inflation in the regions he passed through. The empire's influence was significant in promoting Islamic culture and education, particularly through the establishment of centers like Timbuktu.