Benin is often overlooked in global narratives, yet it sits within a dense network of trade, culture, and regional movement. It does not dominate headlines or global markets, but it functions as a connector—linking inland economies, coastal trade routes, and cultural systems that extend beyond its borders. Geography defines its role. Benin’s narrow shape stretches from the Gulf of Guinea inland toward the Sahel, creating a corridor rather than a contained system. This positio