Romuald wadagni unveils his inaugural Bénin government

Following his recent swearing-in ceremony, President Romuald Wadagni swiftly moved to establish his initial cabinet, formally issuing decree n°2026-314 on May 24, 2026. This foundational government structure features an extensive team of twenty-two ministers and three delegated ministers. Alongside this ministerial lineup, Wilson Gakpéto was named Secretary-General of the Government through a distinct decree. The official announcement of these appointments was made by Aristide DJIDJOHO, who serves as the Secretary-General of the Presidency.

Key Appointments in President Wadagni’s First Cabinet

The esteemed members of President Wadagni’s inaugural administration include:

Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice and Legislation: Monsieur Yvon Détchénou

Minister of Economy and Finance, with responsibility for cooperation: Monsieur Aristide Médenou

Minister of Foreign Affairs: Madame Corinne Amori Brunet

Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic, overseeing Internal Affairs and Public Security: Monsieur Djibril Mama cissé Moussa

Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic, dedicated to National Defense: Monsieur Gildas Agonkan

Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade, also responsible for Industry and the promotion of private investment: Monsieur Olushegun Adjadi Bakari

Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries: Monsieur Ady Yéton Bloukounon Goubalan

Minister of Health: Monsieur Benjamin Hounkpatin

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, with a focus on Technical Training: Madame Sedami Medegan Fagla

Minister of Secondary Education: Monsieur Clément Couchadé

Minister of Maternal and Primary Education: Monsieur Armand Kouyema Nata

Minister of Family and Social Action: Madame Véronique Tognifodé

Minister of Decentralization and Local Governance: Monsieur Janvier Yahouédéou

Minister of Culture, Arts, and Heritage: Monsieur Yassine Latoundji

Minister of Domestic Trade, tasked with the formalization of the economy: Madame Shadia Assouma

Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, specifically focused on the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: Monsieur Mahouna Aklogan

Minister of Energy, Water, and Mines: Monsieur Edouard Dahomey

Minister of Living Environment and Transport, with a mandate for Sustainable Development: Monsieur Georges Alley

Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Employment Promotion, also responsible for Vocational Training: Madame Hawaou Bako

Minister of Communication, overseeing Media affairs: Madame Aurélie Adam-Soulé-Epouse Zoumarou

Minister of Sports and Civic Engagement: Monsieur Benoît Dato

Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, specifically for Finance and Microfinance: Monsieur Nicolas Yenoussi

Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of Budget and Public Service: Monsieur Rodrigue Chaou

Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, responsible for Mobilization of External Resources and Debt Management: Monsieur Hugues-Oscar Lokossou

In a related development, the President of the Republic issued a separate decree, number 315, formally appointing Wilson Gakpéto as the Secretary-General of the Government.