Which African civilization was known for its wealth and trade in gold?

The Kingdom of Mali was renowned for its immense wealth, primarily derived from its abundant gold resources. During the 13th to 16th centuries, Mali became a pivotal player in trans-Saharan trade, particularly under the reign of Mansa Musa, who is often cited as one of the wealthiest individuals in history. The kingdom's strategic position allowed it to control and benefit from the lucrative trade routes that connected West Africa with North Africa and beyond. This led to not only economic prosperity but also cultural and intellectual advancements, as cities like Timbuktu developed into centers of learning and culture.

While the Ancient Ghana empire also engaged in trade, it was the Kingdom of Mali that became particularly famous for its wealth in gold. Ethiopia and Axum, while significant in their own rights, were more noted for their trade in other commodities and their unique cultural contributions rather than the gold that defined Mali's economic legacy.