Mali cuz' it was RICH! it was the richest empire in ancient history. being rich meant it got lots of smart ppl n u could get a good education. emperor was so rich dat he literally handed out gold to common people...imagine that!
It would be better if the question mentions African studies and the "Western Empire" means western african empire.
I would live in Ghana because it had gold which was the main currencies. Traders from the north and east brought goods to trade. With trade routes established, there was also a network of roadways allowing traveling to places.
