Following his recent swearing-in ceremony, President Romuald Wadagni officially constituted his first government by signing decree n°2026-314 on May 24, 2026. This pivotal announcement establishes a new administrative team for Bénin, comprising a total of twenty-two ministers and three delegated ministers. The composition of this new cabinet was publicly presented by Aristide DJIDJOHO, the Secretary-General of the Presidency. Concurrently, Wilson Gakpéto was appointed as the Secretary-General of the Government through a separate decree.
Key appointments in President Wadagni’s first administration
The new ministerial lineup under President Wadagni includes:
- Yvon Détchénou, appointed as Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice and Legislation.
- Aristide Médenou, taking on the role of Minister of Economy and Finance, with responsibility for cooperation.
- Corinne Amori Brunet, designated as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
- Djibril Mama cissé Moussa, serving as Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic, in charge of Interior and Public Security.
- Gildas Agonkan, named Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic, overseeing National Defense.
- Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, entrusted with the portfolio of Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade, also responsible for Industry and the promotion of private investment.
- Ady Yéton Bloukounon Goubalan, heading the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries.
- Benjamin Hounkpatin, appointed as Minister of Health.
- Sedami Medegan Fagla, taking charge of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, including technical training.
- Clément Couchadé, serving as Minister of Secondary Education.
- Armand Kouyema Nata, appointed as Minister of Nursery and Primary Education.
- Véronique Tognifodé, leading the Ministry of Family and Social Action.
- Janvier Yahouédéou, named Minister of Decentralization and Local Governance.
- Yassine Latoundji, overseeing the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Heritage.
- Shadia Assouma, appointed as Minister of Internal Trade, with responsibility for the formalization of the economy.
- Mahouna Aklogan, taking the helm of the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Innovation, also in charge of the national artificial intelligence strategy.
- Edouard Dahomey, designated as Minister of Energy, Water, and Mines.
- Georges Alley, appointed as Minister of Living Environment and Transport, with a focus on sustainable development.
- Hawaou Bako, heading the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Employment Promotion, including vocational training.
- Aurélie Adam-Soulé-Epouse Zoumarou, serving as Minister of Communication, responsible for Media.
- Benoît Dato, named Minister of Sports and Civic Engagement.
- Nicolas Yenoussi, appointed as Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, focusing on Finance and Microfinance.
- Rodrigue Chaou, designated as Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, responsible for Budget and Civil Service.
- Hugues-Oscar Lokossou, taking the role of Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, overseeing the Mobilization of External Resources and Debt Management.
Furthermore, President Wadagni formalized the appointment of Wilson Gakpéto as the Secretary-General of the Government through decree number 315, underscoring the comprehensive restructuring of Bénin’s executive branch.
