Find out more about the career of His Excellency Romuald Wadagni, the new President of the Republic of Benin

Romuald Wadagni is the President of the Republic of Benin. Elected following the presidential election on 12 April 2026, he succeeds President Patrice Talon and ushers in a new political era for the country, building on the reforms initiated since 2016.

From Lokossa to Deloitte: the beginnings of a story shaped by excellence

Born on 20 June 1976 in Lokossa, Romuald Wadagni grew up influenced by the intellectual rigour of his father, a statistical engineer and doctor of mathematics, and the entrepreneurial spirit of his mother, an entrepreneur. After studying management, finance and auditing at the École Supérieure de Commerce de Grenoble, followed by further training at Harvard University, he joined Deloitte, where he pursued an international career spanning Europe, North America and Africa. Recognised for his expertise in financial governance, he became one of the firm’s youngest partners in under twenty years and took charge of a large part of its operations in Africa.

Commitment to serving the Nation

In April 2016, Romuald Wadagni answered President Patrice Talon’s call and decided to put his experience at the service of the nation. The situation at the time was challenging: a high budget deficit, poorly managed public debt and investor confidence at an all-time low. As Minister for the Economy and Finance, he embarked on bold reforms: fiscal discipline, transparency in the management of public finances, the mobilisation of international funding and economic diversification. These initial measures helped to swiftly restore the country’s credibility and set in motion a new wave of growth.

A global figure in financial governance

Under his leadership, Benin recorded 8 per cent growth in 2025 – a level not seen for three decades – and succeeded in increasing per capita income by 50 per cent in less than ten years. This momentum has resulted in tangible achievements, notably the modernisation of over 14,000 kilometres of roads, the construction of new hospitals and schools, and the school meals programme, which provides 1.3 million children with a hot meal every day.

Repeatedly named Africa’s best finance minister, Romuald Wadagni is a leading figure on the international stage in the fields of economic transformation and the modernisation of public finances. Beyond these accolades, he embodies a leadership style based on setting an example, a strong sense of public duty and the conviction that public policy must benefit everyone.

His recent election following the presidential poll on 12 April 2026, as well as the organisation of his inauguration, illustrate the maturity of Benin’s democracy and the strength of the country’s republican institutions. This period marks a new stage in Benin’s journey, as the country continues the process of transformation, stability and modernisation it has been pursuing for several years, with the aim of consolidating its achievements and strengthening its influence on the regional and international stage.