Benin civil service promotion unlocks 12th grade for over 1 100 workers

The Beninese government has finalized financial and administrative adjustments for 1,110 civil servants previously stuck at the eleventh grade. This move provides an immediate financial boost and includes back pay for the affected workers.

Civil service unions and employees had been awaiting this development for months. During a cabinet meeting chaired by President Romuald Wadagni, the government approved the automatic promotion of a significant group of state workers to the twelfth grade.

Exactly 1,110 public sector employees who met the required seniority and merit criteria as of December 31, 2025, will now have their status regularized.

Ending bottlenecks in digital and financial systems

This breakthrough resolves delays caused by previous career structure reforms. While legislation had expanded the framework to allow smoother progression within the Integrated Human Resources and Payroll Management System, technical alignment for automatic promotion to the twelfth grade had lagged behind. By implementing this measure, the executive protects the career interests of the affected civil servants while enhancing the state’s digital human resources management.

The decree ensures tangible benefits for the recipients. Ministries have been instructed to promptly calculate the financial impact on payrolls, including the retroactive payment of salary arrears.

A strategic move for social stability

The mass regularization aligns with the new administration’s commitment to easing social tensions at the start of its term. By demonstrating administrative rigor and equitable pay practices, President Romuald Wadagni reinforces the dedication of public sector workers, who play a key role in the country’s ongoing structural reforms.