Final answer:
The Ghana Empire and Mali Empire in West Africa made significant contributions through their control of trade routes and accumulation of wealth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The empires in East and West Africa made significant contributions to the history and culture of the region. In West Africa, the Ghana Empire (790-1076 C.E.) and the Mali Empire (1230-1600 C.E.) were major powers that controlled trade routes and accumulated wealth through commodities like gold, copper, and salt. These empires also had a profound influence on the region's laws and cultural heritage.