With Benin's presidential election just months away, the movement has revealed the name of its candidate. It is Patrice Talon's current Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Romuald Wadagni.

This is, in any case, what the newspaper "Le Matinal," known for its closeness to the ruling power, reports. According to the daily, the national treasurer was unanimously designated by the two largest parties in the movement, namely the Republican Bloc and the Progressive Union.

A loyal follower of Patrice Talon

Current Vice President of Benin Mariama Chabi Talata remains on the presidential ticket for 2026.

Mr. Wadagni's choice comes as no surprise to observers of Beninese politics. He is one of Patrice Talon's most loyal collaborators.

He has been close to the former cotton magnate since his election in 2016. He will soon be completing 10 years as head of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Executive of the French firm Deloitte

The head of state's trusted aide was born in Lokossa, Benin, on June 20, 1976, to a father who was a statistician and economist by training. After obtaining a baccalaureate in science in his home country, he went to France to continue his studies.

The young man enrolled at the Grenoble School of Business. He earned a Master's degree in Finance from this academic institution, graduating top of his class. Deloitte approached him and recruited him in 1998.

Harvard Business School Graduate

In addition to his Master's degree in Finance, Wadagni also holds a Chartered Accountant degree from the U.S. and a private equity degree from Harvard Business School. As of 2016, he had accumulated 17 years of experience working for Deloitte firms in Paris, Lyon, Boston, New York, and Lubumbashi.

Patrice Talon, elected President of Benin in 2016, called on him to take charge of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

His brilliant moves at the head of the Ministry of Finance

He remains in office until today. Last year, he was named Africa's best finance minister, cementing his central role in Benin's economic transformation.

Under his supervision, the country issued a $750 million sovereign bond in February 2024 at a competitive rate of 7.96%. This operation propelled Benin to the rank of third-best African creditor in US dollars. Benin also benefited under his watch from IMF financing equivalent to 400% of its quota, which is well above the African average of 125%. Other economic achievements are attributed to the national treasurer.

Meanwhile candidate for the Presidency of the AfDB

In July 2024, he announced his candidacy for the position of President of the African Development Bank (AfDB). "My achievements at the Ministry of Finance lend credibility to my candidacy for the AfDB," he confided to Jeune Afrique. In January 2025, a dramatic turn of events! The man withdrew from the race. His boss had certainly told him that he was counting on him to succeed him.