How the Richest Man in History Still Shapes the Future of Global Africans
In a world fixated on billionaires, few remember that the wealthiest man who ever lived was African. His name? Mansa Musa.
In the 14th century, the empire of Mali rose to global prominence under the reign of Mansa Musa I. With an empire stretching across West Africa and a treasury overflowing with gold, Musa didn’t just command wealth—he redefined it. But Mansa Musa’s story is more than a tale of opulence; it is a blueprint for African leadership, cultural pride, and global influence. Purchase your physical copy here (US only).
In this inaugural edition of Global African Times, we revisit his legendary pilgrimage to Mecca—a journey so extravagant it caused inflation across regions. But beyond the spectacle, we examine the deeper impact: the spread of education, the founding of great universities like Sankoré in Timbuktu, and a legacy that offers lessons for today’s Global Africans.
As descendants across the diaspora navigate issues of economic disparity, identity, and access, Mansa Musa’s legacy reminds us: we were not only kings—we were builders, scholars, and visionaries.
This feature is a call to reawaken the spirit of sovereign wealth—not just in gold, but in intellect, unity, and global impact.
