The Mali king you are referring to is Mansa Musa. He is known for his incredible wealth and generosity, as well as for promoting education and the arts in Mali. He made a famous pilgrimage to Mecca that showcased his wealth and brought scholars and architects back to Mali, particularly to the city of Timbuktu, which became a center for learning in various fields, including astronomy, mathematics, law, and history.
The Trans-Saharan trade network facilitated the exchange of goods between East and West Africa, utilizing camels for transportation across the desert. One of the most important trade activities in this area was the gold-salt trade, where gold and salt were of equal value, highlighting their significance in the region's economy. The trade routes allowed for the exchange of these commodities and contributed to the wealth and cultural development of empires like Mali during Mansa Musa's reign.