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Benin Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni is seeking to transition from a key economic policymaker to president as he contests Sunday’s election in Benin, emerging as the frontrunner in a race overshadowed by rising insecurity in the north.
The 49-year-old, a former Deloitte executive, has spent the past decade overseeing economic reforms under outgoing President Patrice Talon, who is stepping down after reaching the constitutional term limit.
Wadagni’s campaign has stated economic gains recorded during Talon’s administration, including significant budget expansion and strong growth in the cotton-driven economy.
He has signalled continuity, downplaying the prospect of major policy shifts and emphasising his close working relationship with the president.
He has pledged to expand development beyond major cities by establishing new economic hubs, improve access to healthcare, and sustain ongoing reforms, assuring supporters that he would approach leadership with the same level of discipline he applied in managing public finances.
Under Talon “I had the honor of managing one of your most precious assets: your money,” Wadagni told supporters in March.
If elected president, “I will do the job with the same seriousness and dedication.”
The election comes months after an attempted coup in December, when soldiers briefly seized state media facilities and clashed with forces loyal to the government. Authorities have since detained dozens of suspects linked to the plot.
Security remains a key concern, with northern Benin facing increasing attacks from extremist groups operating across border regions with Niger and Nigeria. Analysts say the growing threat has added a new dimension to the country’s political landscape.
Wadagni has sought to project confidence during campaign stops in northern towns, promising stronger local security measures, including the creation of municipal police units to support defence efforts.
Born in Lokossa in southern Benin, Wadagni trained in finance in France and built a career in consulting before entering government, later strengthening his expertise with executive education in the United States.
