As the nation prepares for President-elect Romuald Wadagni’s official swearing-in, a groundbreaking digital initiative is set to redefine public engagement with state ceremonies. For the first time in Benin, Sunday’s 24 May 2026 investiture at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou will be broadcast live and in full, at no cost to mobile users nationwide.
In a landmark partnership, the government has secured a zero-rating agreement with all three major mobile operators—MTN Bénin, Moov Africa Bénin, and Celtiis—ensuring that citizens can stream the high-definition ceremony without consuming their data allowances or prepaid balances. This unprecedented measure removes the financial barrier that has historically limited access to major national broadcasts.
Breaking new ground in national ceremonies
The decision to relocate the investiture from the Stade Charles de Gaulle in Porto-Novo—currently undergoing major renovations—has unexpectedly catalyzed innovation in digital inclusion. By embracing a more compact venue, organizers have prioritized accessibility, making it feasible to offer seamless, barrier-free streaming to every corner of the country where 3G or 4G coverage exists.
The zero-rating initiative will activate automatically across all official presidential and public broadcaster (SRTB) channels from the moment the live stream begins until the ceremony concludes, ensuring uninterrupted access for viewers.
Telecoms unite to support national unity
The collective commitment of historical, private, and public telecom providers signals a rare moment of sector-wide collaboration. Industry analysts underscore the initiative’s transformative potential:
- Universal reach: Coverage extends to both urban centers and remote areas, provided a mobile signal is available.
- No prerequisites: Users require no special data packages or prepaid credits to access the stream.
- Robust infrastructure: Networks have been scaled to handle the anticipated surge in simultaneous nationwide connections.
A democratic milestone in political communication
Beyond its technical achievements, the initiative carries profound political significance for Wadagni’s incoming administration. By enabling every smartphone-equipped citizen to witness the transition of power firsthand, the government reinforces transparency and strengthens democratic resonance.
West African tech observers view this initiative as a potential model for future state communications, setting a new benchmark for how national events can be made accessible, equitable, and participatory across all levels of society.
