Within hours of taking office, President Romuald Wadagni signed Decree No. 2026-314 on May 24, 2026, outlining the composition of his inaugural cabinet. The government comprises 22 ministers and three deputy ministers, with Wilson Gakpéto appointed as Secretary-General of the Government through a separate decree. The cabinet structure was formally presented by Aristide DJIDJOHO, Secretary-General of the Presidency.
Full roster of President Wadagni’s first cabinet
The government’s leadership reflects a blend of seasoned officials and fresh appointments across key sectors. The Ministry of Justice and Legislation is led by Yvon Détchénou, serving as Keeper of the Seals.
Aristide Médenou oversees the Ministry of Economy and Finance, with added responsibility for cooperation.
Corinne Amori Brunet heads the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Djibril Mama Cissé Moussa serves as Deputy Minister to the President, managing Interior and Public Security.
Gildas Agonkan takes charge of National Defense as Deputy Minister to the President, and Olushegun Adjadi Bakari leads the Ministry of Tourism and Foreign Trade, with oversight of Industry and Private Investment Promotion.
Agriculture, livestock, and fisheries fall under Ady Yéton Bloukounon Goubalan, while Benjamin Hounkpatin steers the Ministry of Health.
Sedami Medegan Fagla heads the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, including Technical Training, while Clément Couchadé and Armand Kouyema Nata manage Secondary Education and Primary and Early Childhood Education, respectively.
Véronique Tognifodé leads the Ministry of Family and Social Action, and Janvier Yahouédéou oversees Decentralization and Local Governance.
Cultural heritage, arts, and tourism are under the purview of Yassine Latoundji, while Shadia Assouma heads the Ministry of Domestic Trade, with a focus on economic formalization.
Mahouna Aklogan spearheads the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Innovation, including the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, and Edouard Dahomey manages Energy, Water, and Mines.
Georges Alley leads the Ministry of Living Environment and Transport, with an emphasis on Sustainable Development.
Hawaou Bako heads the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Employment Promotion, including Vocational Training.
The Ministry of Communication and Media is led by Aurélie Adam-Soulé-Epouse Zoumarou, while Benoît Dato manages Sports and Civic Engagement.
Three deputy ministers report to the Ministry of Economy and Finance: Nicolas Yenoussi (Finance and Microfinance), Rodrigue Chaou (Budget and Public Service), and Hugues-Oscar Lokossou (External Resource Mobilization and Debt Management).
In a separate decree (No. 315), Wilson Gakpéto was appointed as Secretary-General of the Government, solidifying the administrative backbone of the new administration.
