July 21, 2026

Ouaga Press

Independent English-language coverage of Burkina Faso's most pressing news and developments.

Bénin advances 1,110 civil servants to 12th grade amid pay reforms

In a decisive move to resolve long-standing administrative bottlenecks, the Bénin government has approved the promotion of 1,110 civil servants to the 12th grade. This landmark decision, adopted during a Council of Ministers meeting chaired by President Romuald Wadagni, ensures both financial and career progression for eligible public sector workers.

The initiative targets civil servants who had been stagnating at the 11th grade due to outdated technical alignment in the Integrated Human Resources and Payroll Management System (SIGRHP). By unlocking this progression, the government addresses a critical gap in career development while reinforcing the efficiency of digital HR management across state institutions.

Immediate financial relief for public servants

Beyond administrative recognition, the decree mandates an immediate financial adjustment for affected employees. Ministries have been instructed to recalculate salaries retroactively, ensuring that all backdated payments are processed without delay. This financial reprieve comes as a relief to workers who had endured prolonged delays in career advancement.

A commitment to social stability

This mass promotion reflects the government’s broader strategy to strengthen social cohesion within the civil service. By prioritizing fair and timely career progression, the administration signals its dedication to maintaining a motivated and stable workforce, especially as Bénin undertakes sweeping structural reforms. The move underscores the administration’s resolve to balance fiscal responsibility with equitable treatment of public sector employees.