On August 31, 2025, the ruling coalition in Benin Republic—comprising the Union Progressiste pour le Renouveau (UPR) and the Bloc Républicain (BR)—designated Romuald Wadagni as their candidate for the country’s March 2026 presidential election, as reported by several media, quoting “La Nation”, the public service-backed newspaper. At 49, Wadagni embodies the generational shift envisioned by President Patrice Talon, who has opted against a third term, paving the way for a controlled transition within his political coalition. This marks an unprecedented moment, as Wadagni could become the first candidate officially backed by a coalition to assume power since Benin’s democratic renewal.

Wadagni’s candidacy is rooted in his reputation as the architect of Talon’s economic reforms. His supporters view him as the ideal leader to sustain Benin’s progress, citing his role in elevating the country to middle-income status, securing record-low-rate Eurobonds, and fostering investor confidence. His vision for 2026 emphasizes cotton industrialization, expanding special economic zones, and integrating African value chains to address unemployment and inequality while building on Talon’s “Bénin Révélé” program.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 20, 1976, in Lokossa, Benin, Romuald Wadagni grew up in a family that emphasized education and public service. His father, Nestor Wadagni, a distinguished statistician and economist, instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and intellectual rigor. As the eldest of five siblings, Romuald took on significant responsibilities early, engaging in manual work like bricklaying and mechanics, which shaped his practical and resilient character.

Wadagni pursued higher education at the École Supérieure des Affaires (ESA) in Grenoble, France, graduating at the top of his class with a Master’s degree in Finance. He further distinguished himself by becoming a Chartered Accountant in France and a Certified Public Accountant in the United States. In 2015, he earned an MBA from Harvard Business School, equipping him with global leadership and financial expertise.

A Career at Deloitte

Before entering public service, Wadagni built a remarkable 17-year career at Deloitte, starting in 1998 in France (Paris and Lyon). He specialized in financial auditing and advisory, working across sectors like mining, telecommunications, finance, and retail. In 2003, he relocated to the United States (Boston and New York), where he served as an Audit Manager, contributing to high-profile mergers and acquisitions. By 2012, at age 36, he was promoted to Managing Director and Partner, a testament to his exceptional skill.

Wadagni’s impact extended to Africa, where he established Deloitte offices in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, in 2012. From 2007 to 2016, as Director of Quality and Risk for Deloitte’s French-speaking Africa operations, he ensured compliance across countries including Ivory Coast, Senegal, Benin, Gabon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, DRC, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. In 2015, he became Head of Audit for Francophone Africa, reinforcing his reputation as a leading financial strategist.

Minister of Economy and Finance: A Pillar of Talon’s Administration

Appointed Minister of Economy and Finance on April 7, 2016, under President Patrice Talon, Wadagni quickly became a cornerstone of the administration. Reappointed in 2021 as Senior Minister and tasked with overseeing Cooperation in 2023, he has driven Benin’s economic transformation. His tenure is marked by fiscal discipline, innovative financing, and enhanced international credibility.

Inheriting a debt-laden economy, Wadagni implemented rigorous budgetary policies, rejecting debt cancellations in favor of sustainable financing. His leadership saw Benin’s first €260 million bond issuance in 2016 and a $750 million dollar bond in 2025, oversubscribed six times, reflecting investor confidence. In January 2025, he secured $500 million in international bonds at an 8.625% rate, enabling the buyback of Eurobond 2032 to optimize debt terms. A $700 million IMF agreement in 2022 further bolstered Benin’s financial stability.

Under Wadagni’s stewardship, Benin achieved middle-income status in 2020, with a 3.8% growth rate during the COVID-19 pandemic—one of the highest in sub-Saharan Africa. Projections estimate 6.4% average growth from 2022 to 2026. His policies improved the business climate, earning Benin recognition from UNCTAD in 2020 as the easiest and fastest country to start a business. Initiatives like sustainable bonds and the industrialization of cotton, alongside expanding special economic zones, have positioned Benin as a regional economic hub.

As Chairman of the WAEMU Finance Ministers’ Statutory Council (2018–2020), Wadagni led regional financial reforms, including negotiations to phase out the CFA franc, culminating in a 2019 agreement with France. His role as a World Bank Governor and his 2023 visit to China to meet Vice-Minister Deng Li highlight his growing diplomatic influence. At COP 29 in Baku (November 2024), he presented an innovative financing plan for climate action, incorporating carbon credits and green bonds, earning praise from international financial institutions.

Wadagni’s achievements have garnered numerous accolades. He was named “Best African Minister of Economy and Finance” by Financial Afrik in 2021 and “Finance Minister of the Year” in 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2024. In 2019, he received the African Banker Award for Best Minister of Finance, and in 2025, The Banker magazine honored him as Finance Minister of the Year for Africa. Benin’s 79/100 score in the 2023 Open Budget Survey, ranking first among French-speaking countries, underscores his commitment to transparency.

A Leader in the Making

Wadagni’s journey reflects a blend of technical prowess, global experience, and a commitment to Benin’s development. His early life instilled resilience, while his Deloitte career and Harvard education equipped him to navigate complex economic landscapes. As Minister, he has proven his ability to deliver results, from securing international financing to driving regional reforms. His candidacy for the African Development Bank presidency in May 2025 further underscores his continental influence.

As a father of two, Wadagni balances his professional rigor with personal humility, a quality shaped by his early experiences in manual labour. His candidacy for 2026 represents an opportunity to transform his stature as a respected technocrat into a unifying political leader, capable of addressing Benin’s social and economic challenges while consolidating Talon’s legacy.

Critics argue that Wadagni’s technocratic background may lack the political charisma needed to connect with Benin’s electorate, where social proximity is key. Persistent challenges, such as unemployment and social inequalities, pose hurdles that require him to translate his financial expertise into a broader leadership appeal. His success will thus hinge on his ability to bridge his technocratic knowledge with the political and social demands of leadership, ensuring Benin’s continued rise as a model of African economic and social governance.

Idriss Linge