Final answer:
The ancient kingdom of Mali was located in the region of West Africa south of the Sahara Desert, with its capital city in Niani. Sundiata Keita founded Mali in the early 13th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ancient kingdom of Mali was located in the region of West Africa south of the Sahara Desert. It was founded by Sundiata Keita in the early 13th century and existed until the 17th century. The capital city of Mali was Niani, but the empire also included important trading cities such as Gao, Jenne, and Walata.