Benin: Romuald Wadagni unveils a 24-member government
The new administration reflects continuity with the previous term while introducing fresh leadership across key sectors.
Romuald Wadagni, who assumed office on May 24 following his election victory in April, has finalized the composition of his first cabinet. The team comprises 24 ministers, including three deputy ministers assigned to the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Seven ministers from Patrice Talon’s outgoing government have been retained, though several have been reassigned to different portfolios. Wadagni has pledged to build on the development momentum established during his predecessor’s tenure.
Key appointments in Benin’s new government
- Minister of Justice and Legislation: Yvon Détchénou
- Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of Cooperation: Aristide Médénou
- Minister of Foreign Affairs: Corinne Amori Brunet
- Deputy Minister to the President, in charge of Interior and Public Security: Djibril Mama Cissé Moussa
- Deputy Minister to the President, in charge of National Defense: Gildas Agonkan
- Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade, Industry and Private Sector Promotion: Olushegoun Adjabi Bakari
- Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries: Adi Yéton Bloukouon Goubalan
- Minister of Health: Benjamin Ignace Hounkpatin
- Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Technical Training: Sédami Mèdégan Fagla
- Minister of Secondary Education: Clément Kouchadé
- Minister of Early Childhood and Primary Education: Armand Kouyéma Nata
- Minister of Family and Social Action: Véronique Tognifodé
- Minister of Decentralization and Local Governance: Janvier Yaouédéou
- Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage: Yassin Latoundji
- Minister of Domestic Trade, Formalizing the Economy: Sadia Alimatou Assouma
- Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, National AI Strategy: Mahuna Akplogan
- Minister of Energy, Water and Mines: Édouard Daoumé
- Minister of Living Environment and Transport, Sustainable Development: Georges Allé
- Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises, Employment Promotion, Professional Training: Awawou Baco
- Minister of Communication, Media: Aurélie Adam Soulé (née Zoumarou)
- Minister of Sports and Civic Engagement: Benoît Dato
- Deputy Minister to the Minister of Economy and Finance, Finance and Microfinance: Nicolas Yênoussi
- Deputy Minister to the Minister of Economy and Finance, Budget and Public Service: Rodrique Chaou
- Deputy Minister to the Minister of Economy and Finance, External Resource Mobilization and Debt Management: Hugues Oscar Lokossou
The new cabinet structure maintains a balance between continuity and renewal, signaling Wadagni’s commitment to both stability and progressive reform in Benin.
