In Togo, a group of formidable businesswomen are celebrated for their legacy

By Emmanuel Akinwotu

Published January 21, 2026 at 5:16 PM EST

NPR's Emmanuel Akinwotu continues his journey along West Africa's most ambitious urban corridor. In Togo, he meets the Nana Benz — icons of past prosperity in a region where opportunity is shifting.

Emmanuel Akinwotu

Emmanuel Akinwotu is an international correspondent for NPR. He joined NPR in 2022 from The Guardian, where he was West Africa correspondent.

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