The largest empire in west Africa in the 1500?

The largest empire in West Africa during the 1500s was the Songhai Empire. It reached its peak under the rule of Emperor Askia Muhammad in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, encompassing regions of present-day Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. The empire thrived on trade, particularly in gold, salt, and slaves, and was known for its centers of learning, such as Timbuktu. The Songhai Empire eventually declined due to internal strife and external invasions, particularly by Moroccan forces in the late 16th century.