Just hours after being sworn in as President of Benin, Romuald Wadagni announced the composition of his first government under Decree No. 2026-314 issued on May 24, 2026. The new administration is made up of 22 ministers and three deputy ministers tasked with overseeing key sectors of national development.

The newly formed cabinet covers major strategic areas including the economy, justice, security, agriculture, health, education, digital transformation, infrastructure, culture, and sports.

Several prominent figures have been appointed to leading positions within the government. Yvon Détchénou takes charge of the Ministry of Justice and Legislation, while Aristide Médenou has been named Minister of Economy and Finance. Foreign affairs will be overseen by Corinne Amori Brunet.

The Ministry of Interior and Public Security has been entrusted to Djibril Mama Cissé Moussa, whereas Gildas Agonkan will lead the national defense portfolio.

In the agricultural sector, Ady Yéton Bloukounon Goubalan has been appointed Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, with responsibility for steering the country’s agricultural policies.

The new administration also places strong emphasis on digital transformation and innovation. Mahouna Aklogan has been appointed Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, where he will oversee the country’s national artificial intelligence strategy. Meanwhile, Aurélie Adam-Soulé Zoumarou joins the government with responsibility for communication and media affairs.

To strengthen economic governance, the Ministry of Economy and Finance will be supported by three deputy ministers. Nicolas Yenoussi will oversee finance and microfinance, Rodrigue Chaou will manage the budget and civil service portfolio, while Hugues-Oscar Lokossou will supervise external resource mobilization and public debt management.

In a separate decree, President Wadagni also appointed Wilson Gakpéto as Secretary-General of the government.

The announcement of this first cabinet comes amid high public expectations regarding the new administration’s economic, social, and institutional priorities as Benin enters a new political phase under President Wadagni.