The Palais des Congrès in Cotonou hosted, on Sunday May 24, 2026, the swearing-in ceremony of Romuald Wadagni as President of the Republic of Benin. The event marks the transition between Patrice Talon’s two five-year terms and the opening of a new political cycle led by a figure from the economic and financial spheres.
Benin has officially entered a new political era with the investiture of Romuald Wadagni as President of the Republic on May 24 2026. The former Minister of State for Economy and Finance succeeds Patrice Talon after winning the April 12, 2026 presidential election with 94.27% of the vote. Born on June 20, 1976 in Lokossa, Romuald Wadagni has, since 2016, established himself as one of the main architects of the economic reforms undertaken in Benin. In front of official guests, institutional representatives, foreign delegations, diplomats from the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), and business leaders gathered in Cotonou, the new president reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the country’s structural transformation, strengthening institutional stability, and consolidating Benin’s economic attractiveness.
My dear compatriots, with our neighboring countries, we will place special emphasis on deepening regional cooperation. Benin will continue to work for stability, dialogue, and respect for our sister African countries, especially our neighbors in the sub-region, whose presence here I warmly welcome as it brings us great joy. I wish to renew the message of fraternity from the Beninese people. My conviction is that in a sub-region facing the threat of terrorism, we are bound to work together.
Romuald Wadagni, President of the Republic
In a country of more than 15 million inhabitants in 2026, Romuald Wadagni intends to continue investments in transport, energy, digital technology, tourism, and agriculture in order to support economic growth and Benin’s regional competitiveness. His program also emphasizes industrialization, local processing of raw materials, improvement of the business climate, modernization of public administration, and youth employment.
The development of Benin must be experienced in every part of society and in every territory of the Republic. To the youth of Benin who reject old fatalisms and want to succeed here at home through their work, I say this: Benin believes in you and will give you the opportunities to succeed.
Romuald Wadagni, President of the Republic
This investiture brings an end to Patrice Talon’s two five-year terms and opens a seven-year presidential mandate in a context marked by a political truce and the gradual establishment of a Senate. Romuald Wadagni inherits a country whose economic indicators remain on an upward trajectory, with growth projected at 7% in 2026 according to the World Bank. The new president must now preserve this momentum while addressing social expectations related to employment, cost of living, and political inclusion.
