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Interview with Eka Obaigbena
FOUNDER, TOASTIES

Lives in: Lagos, Nigeria

Eka Obaigbena noticed a gap in Nigeria’s restaurant market for fast-casual chains – such as Chipotle, Shake Shack, and Pret a Manger – she had grown accustomed to while living abroad. To fill it, she launched Toasties, which offers sandwiches, salads and other items that blend local ingredients with international flavour profiles. How we made it in Africa editor-in-chief Jaco Maritz spoke to her about leaving Michelin-starred kitchens overseas to build the business in Lagos.

Topics discussed during the interview include:

• The differences between operating a restaurant in Nigeria and the West

• Stepping into the spotlight as an introverted founder

• Navigating loneliness in the early days

• How Lagos’ dining culture has evolved

• What she would do differently if starting the business again

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