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Mali was the next big power in western Africa.
The Mali empire of the Mandinka people grew during the 1200s. It replaced Ghana as the most powerful state. For 300 years, Mali ran the gold and salt trade. Its greatest ruler was Mansa Musa. He ruled for 25 years, starting in 1312. He made his empire grow as far west as the Atlantic Ocean. Musa took over many cities in North Africa. But after 300 years, Mali lost its hold on Sahara trade routes. For the next 100 years, Songhai was the greatest empire in western Africa. In fact, it was the most powerful empire ever in that area.
