Benin’s Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni Chosen as Presidential Candidate for 2026 Election
Benin’s ruling coalition has officially announced Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as its candidate for the upcoming 2026 presidential election. This decision signals a commitment to continuity as President Patrice Talon prepares to step down after serving two terms in office.
Backed by the Progressive Union for Renewal and the Republican Bloc, Wadagni, a 49-year-old Harvard graduate and former Deloitte executive, has played a pivotal role in Benin’s economic development since assuming the role of finance minister in 2016. During his tenure, the country achieved significant milestones such as issuing Africa’s first social bond in 2021, launching groundbreaking IPOs, and successfully raising $500 million through sovereign bonds this year.
With Benin’s economy experiencing a robust growth rate of 6.7% in 2024 and preparations underway for the commencement of oil exports later in 2025, Wadagni’s candidacy reflects a determination to accelerate economic progress and diversify the nation’s industries beyond traditional cotton production.
Bloomberg
