Following his recent inauguration, President Romuald Wadagni swiftly moved to establish his administration, signing Decree n°2026-314 on May 24, 2026, which officially announced the composition of his inaugural government. This new executive team comprises a total of twenty-two ministers and three delegated ministers. Additionally, Wilson Gakpéto was appointed as the Government’s Secretary-General through a separate decree. The specifics of the governmental lineup were publicly presented by Aristide DJIDJOHO, who serves as the Secretary-General of the Presidency.
Key appointments in President Wadagni’s first cabinet
The ministers appointed to lead various crucial sectors of Bénin’s administration include:
- Yvon Détchénou, named Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice and Legislation.
- Aristide Médenou, assuming the role of Minister of Economy and Finance, with responsibility for cooperation initiatives.
- Corinne Amori Brunet, appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
- Djibril Mama cissé Moussa, designated as Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic, overseeing Interior and Public Security.
- Gildas Agonkan, serving as Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic, in charge of National Defense.
- Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, taking on the portfolio of Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade, also responsible for Industry and private investment promotion.
- Ady Yéton Bloukounon Goubalan, appointed as Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries.
- Benjamin Hounkpatin, named Minister of Health.
- Sedami Medegan Fagla, appointed Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, also responsible for technical training.
- Clément Couchadé, serving as Minister of Secondary Education.
- Armand Kouyema Nata, named Minister of Maternal and Primary Education.
- Véronique Tognifodé, appointed as Minister of Family and Social Action.
- Janvier Yahouédéou, taking the helm as Minister of Decentralization and Local Governance.
- Yassine Latoundji, designated as Minister of Culture, Arts, and Heritage.
- Shadia Assouma, appointed as Minister of Internal Trade, with a focus on formalizing the economy.
- Mahouna Aklogan, assuming the role of Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, in charge of the national artificial intelligence strategy.
- Edouard Dahomey, named Minister of Energy, Water, and Mines.
- Georges Alley, appointed as Minister of Living Environment and Transport, overseeing sustainable development.
- Hawaou Bako, serving as Minister of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Employment Promotion, also responsible for vocational training.
- Aurélie Adam-Soulé-Epouse Zoumarou, named Minister of Communication, in charge of media affairs.
- Benoît Dato, appointed as Minister of Sports and Civic Engagement.
Three additional ministers were delegated to assist the Minister of Economy and Finance:
- Nicolas Yenoussi, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, focusing on Finance and Microfinance.
- Rodrigue Chaou, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, responsible for Budget and Public Service.
- Hugues-Oscar Lokossou, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of mobilizing external resources and managing public debt.
In a related development, President Wadagni also issued Decree number 315, formally confirming the appointment of Wilson Gakpéto as the Secretary-General of the Government.
