President Romuald Wadagni has unveiled his first government in Bénin, appointing a cabinet of 24 ministers, including several delegate ministers, to lead the nation.

Following his victory in the presidential election on April 12, 2026, Romuald Wadagni was officially sworn into office on Sunday, May 24, during a solemn ceremony held at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou. On the very evening of his inauguration, the newly installed president announced the formation of his initial government.

The new ministerial team consists of 24 individuals, notably including three delegate ministers who will serve under the Minister of Economy and Finance. Continuity is also evident, as seven ministers from the previous administration of Patrice Talon have been retained in the new cabinet, with some assuming different portfolios.

President Romuald Wadagni has publicly committed to building upon the progress and development initiatives established by his predecessor, Patrice Talon, aiming to sustain Bénin’s growth trajectory.

Bénin’s new government: ministerial appointments

* Minister of Justice and Legislation, Keeper of the Seals: Mr. Yvon Détchénou.

* Minister of Economy and Finance, responsible for Cooperation: Mr. Aristide Médénou.

* Minister of Foreign Affairs: Ms. Corinne Amori Brunet.

* Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic, responsible for Interior and Public Security: Mr. Djibril Mama Cissé Moussa.

* Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic, responsible for 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 Affairs: 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 Economy 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, responsible for Sustainable Development: Mr. Georges Allé.

* Minister of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Employment Promotion, in charge of Professional 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, responsible for Finance and Microfinance: Mr. Nicolas Yênoussi.

* Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, responsible for Budget and Public Service: Mr. Rodrique Chaou.

* Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, responsible for External Resource Mobilization and Debt Management: Mr. Hugues Oscar Lokossou.