Bénin: live streaming of presidential inauguration free on all mobile networks

In a groundbreaking move ahead of President-elect Romuald Wadagni’s official swearing-in ceremony, the Bénin government has announced unprecedented digital accessibility for the event. For the first time, the entire inauguration proceedings, scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou, will be broadcast live and free of charge across all mobile networks in the country.

This initiative marks a historic collaboration between government authorities and the nation’s three leading telecommunications providers—MTN Bénin, Moov Africa Bénin, and Celtiis—to implement a zero-rating agreement. Under this arrangement, mobile subscribers can stream the high-definition ceremony without any data consumption deductions from their internet plans or call credit balances.

A technological milestone for national unity

The decision to relocate the ceremony from Porto-Novo’s Charles de Gaulle Stadium—currently undergoing renovation—to the more intimate setting of the Palais des Congrès appears to have accelerated the push for digital inclusivity. By removing financial barriers associated with mobile data usage, the organizing committee has significantly expanded public access to this pivotal civic moment.

The zero-rating benefit will activate automatically upon the opening of official broadcast channels, including those managed by the presidency and public service broadcaster SRTB, and remain active throughout the duration of the ceremony.

Telecom sector unites for seamless national coverage

The coordinated participation of the historic operator, private subsidiaries, and the public provider Celtiis underscores the technical synergy achieved for this event. Industry analysts highlight the initiative’s dual advantages:

• Universal reach: Citizens in both urban centers and remote areas can participate, provided they have 3G or 4G connectivity.
• Barrier-free access: No prepaid data packages or additional credits are required to initiate the stream.
• Robust infrastructure: Telecommunications networks have been scaled to handle the anticipated surge in simultaneous national connections.

Symbolic and democratic implications

Beyond its technical merits, the initiative carries profound political significance for the incoming administration. By ensuring every smartphone-equipped citizen can witness the peaceful transfer of power firsthand, the government reinforces the democratic resonance of the occasion.

For West African technology observers, this initiative may establish a new benchmark for institutional communication and national event coverage, demonstrating how digital innovation can bridge societal divides.