Likewise, how did Sundiata improve Mali? when Sundiata conquered Mali, he took control of the gold and salt trade. this made lots of money for the Mali empire. Sundiata also improved the agriculture in Mali. Sundiata also introduced a crop called cotton. People also ask, what was Sundiata famous for? Sundiata was known as a big eater and constantly held feasts at his palace. His nickname is the "Lion King of Mali." The Songhai Empire started out as a fishing and trading center on the Niger River in a place called Gao where West African and Muslim traders visited often. Just like Ghana and Mali, the Songhai people were influenced by Islam, and many people even converted. For many years, Songhai people were ruled for many years by Mali, and were forced to pay taxes.