Sworn in yesterday, Sunday, May 24, 2026, the new Beninese president, Romuald Wadagni, wasted no time in forming his government. It is a team of 24 ministers whose names were made public yesterday evening by the Secretary General of the Presidency, Aristide Djidjoho.

Some of Talon's ministers reappointed

Six ministers from Patrice Talon's previous government have been retained in the new team. These are Yvon Détchénou, Minister of Justice and Legislation; Benjamin Hounkpatin, Minister of Health; Véronique Tognifodé, Minister of Family and Social Action; Shadiya Assouma Alimatou, Minister of Domestic Trade in charge of Economic Formalization; Aurélie Adam Souley Zoumarou, Minister of Communication in charge of Media; and Benoît Dato, Minister of Sports and Civic Engagement. Eighteen new members have joined the government.

The former Beninese ambassador to Paris appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs

President Wadagni, who previously held the position of Minister of Economy and Finance under Patrice Talon, appointed Aristide Medenou to succeed him.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is entrusted to Corrine Amori Brunet, formerly Benin's ambassador to Paris. The current prefect of Borgou, Djibril Maman Cissé Moussa, is appointed Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic in charge of the Interior and Public Security.

The former Beninese ambassador to Niamey appointed Minister of Defense

Gildas Agonkan, the former Beninese ambassador to Niamey, has been promoted to the position of Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic in charge of National Defense. Adin Yeton Goubalan inherits the portfolio of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in charge of Technical Training is entrusted to former MP Sèdami Médégan Fagla.

Clément Koutchadé, the former mayor of Pobè, is appointed Minister of Secondary Education and Armand Nata Minister of Nursery and Primary Education.

A new ministry in charge of Digital Transformation and Innovation, responsible for the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy

Janvier Yahouédéhou, a well-known political figure in Benin, has been entrusted by the president to head the Ministry of Decentralization and Local Governance. The Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Heritage has been entrusted to Yassine Latoundji.

Mahounan Akplogan takes the helm of the newly created Ministry of Digital Transformation and Innovation, tasked with the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. Édouard Dahome is appointed Minister of Energy, Water, and Mines.

Georges Alé will lead the Ministry of Living Environment and Transport, responsible for Sustainable Development.

Three junior ministers appointed to the Minister of Economy and Finance

Ms. Awaou Baco has been entrusted with the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Employment Promotion, responsible for Vocational Training.

Nicolas Yenoussi, former Director General of Taxes (DGI), becomes Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of Finance and Microfinance. Rodrigue Chaou is appointed Minister Delegate to the Minister of Finance, in charge of the Budget and the Civil Service.

Finally, Hugues Oscar Lokossou inherits the position of Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of the Mobilization of External Resources and Debt Management.