Romuald Wadagni, a 49-year-old economist, has secured a landslide victory in Benin’s presidential election, winning 94% of the vote in the April 12 poll. His sole challenger, politician Paul Hounkpe, conceded defeat, and Hounkpe’s party later formed a coalition with the ruling party in parliament.

The inauguration ceremony drew over 6,000 attendees, including high-ranking state officials, members of the constitutional body, diplomats, and former presidents Nicéphore Soglo and Thomas Boni Yayi.

The presence of Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine at the event signaled efforts to mend strained relations between Benin and its northern neighbor after months of diplomatic friction.

a new political era for Benin

Under constitutional amendments passed in 2025, Benin’s presidential term will extend from five to seven years, though the two-term limit remains unchanged. Wadagni now leads the fifth presidency since Benin’s democratic transition began in 1990.

During his swearing-in ceremony, presided over by Chief Justice Dorothe Sossa of the Constitutional Court, Wadagni vowed to uphold the Constitution, preserve peace, strengthen national unity, and serve the people of Benin with accountability.

He emphasized his administration’s resolve, stating: « Benin will not yield to fear or complacency. We will act decisively against any forces threatening our security and unity. »

Beyond domestic stability, the new government aims to improve relations with neighboring military-led governments in Niger and Burkina Faso, where political transitions have reshaped regional dynamics.

economic reforms and leadership background

Wadagni assumes office during a period of steady economic growth, yet Benin continues to face challenges such as social inequality and security threats in its northern regions.

Before entering politics, he worked at Deloitte, one of the world’s leading audit firms. Following Patrice Talon’s rise to power in 2016, Wadagni was appointed Minister of Economy and Finance, later serving as Prime Minister after his reappointment in 2021.

Over nearly a decade leading Benin’s financial sector, Wadagni played a key role in shaping the country’s economic policies. Officials credit his tenure with reducing the budget deficit to approximately 3% of GDP through strategic fiscal reforms.