President Romuald Wadagni reveals his first cabinet, composed of 24 ministers, including delegated roles.

Having secured victory in the presidential election on April 12, 2026, Romuald Wadagni formally took his oath of office on Sunday, May 24. The solemn ceremony unfolded at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou. Immediately following his investiture, the newly sworn-in president moved swiftly to constitute his initial executive team.

This newly formed cabinet consists of 24 distinguished ministers, among whom are three delegated ministers specifically assigned to the vital Ministry of Economy and Finance. A notable aspect of this new administration is the continuity it offers, as seven ministers from the preceding government under Patrice Talon have been retained. While some have maintained their previous responsibilities, others have been entrusted with new portfolios, reflecting a strategic reshuffle within the government.

President Romuald Wadagni has publicly affirmed his unwavering commitment to maintaining and accelerating the robust development momentum that was successfully initiated by his predecessor, Patrice Talon. This pledge underscores a vision for sustained progress and stability in Bénin, a key nation in West Africa’s political landscape.

List of Bénin’s new government members

* Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice and Legislation: Mr. Yvon Détchénou.

* Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of Cooperation: Mr. Aristide Médénou.

* Minister of Foreign Affairs: Ms. Corinne Amori Brunet.

* Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic, in charge of Interior and Public Security: Mr. Djibril Mama Cissé Moussa.

* Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic, in charge of National Defense: Mr. Gildas Agonkan.

* Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade, in charge of Industry and Private Investment Promotion: Mr. Olushegoun Adjabi Bakari.

* Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries: Mr. Adi Yéton Bloukouon Goubalan.

* Minister of Health: Mr. Benjamin Ignace Hounkpatin

* Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in charge of Technical Training: Ms. Sédami Mèdégan Fagla.

* Minister of Secondary Education: Mr. Clément Kouchadé.

* Minister of Nursery and Primary Education: Mr. Armand Kouyéma Nata.

* Minister of Family and Social Action: Ms. Véronique Tognifodé.

* Minister of Decentralization and Local Governance: Mr. Janvier Yaouédéou.

* Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage: Mr. Yassin Latoundji.

* Minister of Internal Trade, in charge of Economic Formalization: Ms. Sadia Alimatou Assouma.

* Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, in charge of National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: Mr. Mahuna Akplogan.

* Minister of Energy, Water and Mines: Mr. Édouard Daoumé.

* Minister of Living Environment and Transport, in charge of Sustainable Development: Mr. Georges Allé.

* Minister of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Employment Promotion, in charge of Vocational Training: Ms. Awawou Baco.

* Minister of Communication, in charge of Media: Ms. Aurélie Adam Soulé épouse Zoumarou.

* Minister of Sports and Civic Engagement: Mr. Benoît Dato.

* Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of Finance and Microfinance: Mr. Nicolas Yênoussi.

* Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of Budget and Public Service: Mr. Rodrique Chaou.

* Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of External Resource Mobilization and Debt Management: Mr. Hugues Oscar Lokossou