In the late 1400s in Africa the empire of songhai?

In the late 1400s, the Songhai Empire emerged as one of the largest and most powerful empires in West Africa, following the decline of the Mali Empire. Centered around the city of Gao and later Timbuktu, Songhai thrived on trade, particularly in gold, salt, and other commodities. Its leaders, such as Sunni Ali and Askia Muhammad, expanded the empire's territory and promoted Islamic scholarship and culture. The empire's strategic position along trans-Saharan trade routes contributed to its wealth and influence during this period.