Bénin unveils president wadagni’s inaugural government cabinet

Following his recent swearing-in ceremony, President Romuald Wadagni officially unveiled the composition of his first government through Decree No. 2026-314, issued on May 24, 2026. This newly formed cabinet, a pivotal moment in Bénin’s African politics, comprises twenty-two ministers and three delegated ministers. These key figures will work alongside Wilson Gakpéto, who was separately appointed as the Government’s Secretary General. The comprehensive details of this significant decree were presented to the public by Aristide DJIDJOHO, the Secretary General of the presidency.

Members of President Wadagni’s first government

Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice and Legislation: Monsieur Yvon Détchénou

Minister of Economy and Finance, responsible for Cooperation: Monsieur Aristide Médenou

Minister of Foreign Affairs: Madame Corinne Amori Brunet

Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic, responsible for Interior and Public Security: Monsieur Djibril Mama cissé Moussa

Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic, responsible for National Defense: Monsieur Gildas Agonkan

Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade, in charge of Industry and Private Investment Promotion: Monsieur Olushegun Adjadi Bakari

Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries: Monsieur Ady Yéton Bloukounon Goubalan

Minister of Health: Monsieur Benjamin Hounkpatin

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in charge of Technical Training: Madame Sedami Medegan Fagla

Minister of Secondary Education: Monsieur Clément Couchadé

Minister of Nursery and Primary Education: Monsieur Armand Kouyema Nata

Minister of Family and Social Action: Madame Véronique Tognifodé

Minister of Decentralization and Local Governance: Monsieur Janvier Yahouédéou

Minister of Culture, Arts, and Heritage: Monsieur Yassine Latoundji

Minister of Internal Trade, in charge of Economic Formalization: Madame Shadia Assouma

Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, in charge of National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: Monsieur Mahouna Aklogan

Minister of Energy, Water, and Mines: Monsieur Edouard Dahomey

Minister of Living Environment and Transport, responsible for Sustainable Development: Monsieur Georges Alley

Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Employment Promotion, in charge of Vocational Training: Madame Hawaou Bako

Minister of Communication, in charge of Media: Madame Aurélie Adam-Soulé-Epouse Zoumarou

Minister of Sports and Civic Engagement: Monsieur Benoît Dato

Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, responsible for Finance and Microfinance: Monsieur Nicolas Yenoussi

Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, responsible for Budget and Public Service: Monsieur Rodrigue Chaou

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

In a separate presidential decree, Monsieur Wilson Gakpéto was formally appointed as the Government’s Secretary General, solidifying the new administrative structure for Bénin’s future endeavors.