Cotonou’s Palais des Congrès esplanade transformed into a hub of West African diplomacy on Sunday, May 24, as dignitaries from across the continent converged for Romuald Wadagni’s presidential investiture. The attendance list read like a who’s who of politics and business: Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Ivorian Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, Niger’s Premier Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, and Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, among others. The gathering underscored the international credibility Wadagni cultivated during his tenure as Bénin’s Finance Minister.
Regional diplomacy takes center stage
The event highlighted Bénin’s strategic positioning within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). While protocol traditionally excludes sitting heads of state from swearing-in ceremonies, the presence of 16 high-level delegations—including top officials from Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Niger—sent a clear message of regional solidarity. The most resounding ovation greeted the announcement of Niger’s new Prime Minister, a gesture that resonated deeply with the crowd and symbolized a new era of cooperation in the Sahel.
Wadagni’s pre-investiture overtures of reconciliation had already set the tone. The Nigerian envoy’s public remarks—“This marks the opening of a new path”—echoed the sentiments shared by many. Throughout his campaign, the president-elect had repeatedly emphasized the imperative of collective action against terrorism, framing regional unity as the only viable strategy. In his address, he reinforced this vision, declaring, “Our countries are now bound by destiny to collaborate.”
Business elites rally behind economic vision
The ceremony transcended political symbolism, morphing into an exclusive economic summit that showcased Wadagni’s decade-long influence in shaping Bénin’s financial landscape. Africa’s business titans—including Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, and Hassanein Hiridjee, CEO of the Axian Group—joined Ivorian businessman Adama Bictogo and Gagan Gupta of Arise IIP. Makhtar Diop, CEO of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), also attended, validating Wadagni’s economic stewardship.
Under his leadership, Bénin achieved remarkable macroeconomic stability. The country is projected to grow by 6.5% in 2026, with domestic revenues exceeding 1 trillion FCFA while keeping public debt below 55% of GDP. These milestones have unlocked substantial foreign investment, particularly in industrial projects like the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ). Developed in partnership with Arise IIP, the GDIZ has already generated over 25,000 jobs and begun exporting garments to Europe and the U.S., positioning Bénin as a rising hub for local transformation and economic attractiveness.
The turnout in Cotonou on May 24 was not merely symbolic—it reflected the global confidence in Wadagni’s ability to steer Bénin toward sustainable growth and regional leadership.
