When the Beninese discovered the name of his challenger in October 2025, they immediately concluded that the match was already settled. Against Paul Hounkpè of the Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin (FCBE), Romuald Wadagni was what you would call a super favorite. This was confirmed the day after the Presidential election of April 12, 2026.
The Finance Minister literally crushed his opponent. The score speaks for itself: 94.05% of votes cast. Paul Hounkpè was credited with only 5.95% of the votes.
According to figures released by the electoral commission, the Beninese did not shy away from the polls. "The turnout was indeed 58.75%."
This gives genuine legitimacy to Romuald Wadagni, even though he won without great peril. Clearly, the Beninese opted for continuity.
It bears no repeating that Mr. Wadagni is one of Patrice Talon's most loyal collaborators. He has been working alongside the former cotton magnate since his election in 2016. He even celebrated, on April 6, his 10 years at the helm of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Executive at French firm Deloitte
The national treasurer was born in Lokossa, Benin, on June 20, 1976, to a father trained as a statistician and economist. After obtaining a scientific baccalaureate in his country, he packed his bags for France to continue his studies. The Grenoble School of Business opened its doors to him.
He obtained a Master's in Finance from this academic institution, graduating top of his class. Deloitte approached and recruited him in 1998.
Graduate of Harvard Business School
In addition to his Master's in Finance, Wadagni also earned an American Certified Public Accountant diploma and a private equity diploma from Harvard Business School.
By 2016, he had accumulated 17 years of expertise within Deloitte firms in Paris, Lyon, Boston, New York, and Lubumbashi.
Patrice Talon, elected President of Benin in 2016, called on him to take charge of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
His achievements at the helm of the Ministry of Finance
He held the position until the announcement of his victory in the presidential election of April 12, 2026. Last year, he was named best Finance Minister in Africa, consolidating his central role in Benin's economic transformation.
Under his supervision, Porto-Novo issued a sovereign bond of $750 million in February 2024 at a competitive rate of 7.96%. This operation propelled Benin to the rank of third-best African credit in US dollars.
The country also benefited, under his stewardship, from IMF financing equivalent to 400% of its quota — well above the African average of 125%. Other economic achievements are attributed to the national treasurer.
Meanwhile, a candidate for the AfDB presidency
In July 2024, he announced his candidacy for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB). "My achievements at the Ministry of Finance lend credibility to my candidacy for the AfDB," he told Jeune Afrique. In January 2025, a dramatic twist — he withdrew from the race.
It later emerged that he was the designated candidate of the presidential movement to carry its colors in the Presidential election of April 12, 2026.
After the proclamation of the provisional results on Monday, there is no doubt that he will be the next President of Benin.
Easing political tensions, securing the country's northern borders and…
The Beninese who opted for continuity by choosing him should expect him to continue Patrice Talon's work.
His first 100 days will nonetheless be closely watched, as many of his compatriots expect him to take steps to ease the political atmosphere by freeing political opponents imprisoned by his mentor.
They will also be attentive to the measures he takes to secure the country's northern borders, which have been holding up against deadly incursions by jihadist groups.
The other challenge awaiting him is the restoration of trust with Benin's immediate neighbors: Burkina Faso and Niger. These countries have often accused the outgoing Beninese government of working to destabilize them in coordination with France.
Bernardin Patinvoh
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