Sundiata Keita

Sundiata Keita led the Mandinka coalition against Soumaoro Kant

After the Battle of Kirina, Sundiata was proclaimed Mansa (emperor) of the Mali Empire at the Kouroukan Fouga assembly. He established a constitution and divided the empire into provinces, laying the administrative foundation of Mali.

Sundiata conquered the remnants of the Ghana Empire, incorporating its territory into Mali. This gave Mali control over the trans-Saharan gold trade routes, significantly increasing its wealth and power.

Sundiata established Niani as the capital of the Mali Empire. The city became a center of trade and governance, located near gold fields and on trade routes, facilitating the empire's economic growth.

Sundiata promoted the cultivation of cotton and the weaving of cloth, which became a major industry in Mali. This economic reform diversified the empire's economy and increased its self-sufficiency.