In Benin, President Romuald Wadagni has unveiled his first cabinet consisting of 24 ministers, including deputies. Elected in the April 12, 2026 presidential vote, Wadagni was sworn in on May 24 at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou. Hours after taking office, he announced the formation of his administration.

The new government includes 24 ministers, with three deputy ministers assigned to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Seven ministers from Patrice Talon’s outgoing cabinet have been retained, though some have been reassigned to different portfolios.

Wadagni has pledged to continue the development momentum established under his predecessor, Patrice Talon.

Benin’s new cabinet members

• Minister of Justice and Legislation, Keeper of the Seals: Yvon Détchénou
• Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of Cooperation: Aristide Médénou
• Minister of Foreign Affairs: Corinne Amori Brunet
• Deputy Minister to the President, in charge of Interior and Public Security: Djibril Mama Cissé Moussa
• Deputy Minister to the President, in charge of National Defense: Gildas Agonkan
• Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade, overseeing Industry and Private Investment Promotion: Olushegoun Adjabi Bakari
• Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries: Adi Yéton Bloukouon Goubalan
• Minister of Health: Benjamin Ignace Hounkpatin
• Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, overseeing Technical Training: Sédami Mèdégan Fagla
• Minister of Secondary Education: Clément Kouchadé
• Minister of Primary and Preschool Education: Armand Kouyéma Nata
• Minister of Family and Social Action: Véronique Tognifodé
• Minister of Decentralization and Local Governance: Janvier Yaouédéou
• Minister of Culture, Arts, and Heritage: Yassin Latoundji
• Minister of Domestic Trade, overseeing Economic Formalization: Sadia Alimatou Assouma
• Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, overseeing the National AI Strategy: Mahuna Akplogan
• Minister of Energy, Water, and Mines: Édouard Daoumé
• Minister of Living Environment and Transport, overseeing Sustainable Development: Georges Allé
• Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Employment Promotion, overseeing Vocational Training: Awawou Baco
• Minister of Communication, overseeing Media: Aurélie Adam Soulé Zoumarou
• Minister of Sports and Civic Engagement: Benoît Dato
• Deputy Minister to the Minister of Economy and Finance, overseeing Finance and Microfinance: Nicolas Yênoussi
• Deputy Minister to the Minister of Economy and Finance, overseeing Budget and Civil Service: Rodrique Chaou
• Deputy Minister to the Minister of Economy and Finance, overseeing External Resource Mobilization and Debt Management: Hugues Oscar Lokossou