President Romuald Wadagni has officially named the members of his first government in Bénin, forming a cabinet composed of 24 ministers, including several delegated ministers.

Following his victory in the presidential election on April 12, 2026, Romuald Wadagni took the oath of office during a solemn ceremony held at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou on Sunday, May 24. On the very evening of his inauguration, the new president moved swiftly to constitute his initial government.

This newly assembled team consists of 24 ministers, among whom are three delegated ministers serving under the Minister of Economy and Finance. Notably, seven ministers from the outgoing government of Patrice Talon have been reappointed to the new administration, with some experiencing shifts in their ministerial portfolios.

President Romuald Wadagni has articulated his firm commitment to sustaining the momentum of development in Bénin, a trajectory notably initiated by his predecessor, Patrice Talon. This political transition and the formation of the new cabinet are significant for West Africa, marking a new chapter in Bénin’s governance.

Key appointments in Bénin’s new government:

* 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.