Ahead of his inauguration, President Wadagni was received at the Palais de la Marina by outgoing President Patrice Talonfor a private meeting, symbolizing a peaceful democratic transition in the West African nation. Wadagni previously served as Finance Minister under Talon, who led Benin for a decade since 2016.

President Wadagni officially took the oath of office after winning the presidential election with 94% of the vote. He begins a seven-year term as the new leader of Benin.

Before ascending to the presidency, Wadagni gained recognition for spearheading major economic reforms during his tenure as Finance Minister. He played a key role in strengthening domestic revenue collection and improving public financial management, reforms that contributed significantly to Benin’s economic transformation over the past decade.

His election was strongly backed by the ruling establishment, with many observers viewing him as a leader expected to continue the development and reform agenda initiated under Patrice Talon’s administration.

Relations between Rwanda and Benin have continued to deepen in recent years, particularly since former President Talon’s visit to Rwanda in 2016, which marked the beginning of stronger cooperation between the two countries in trade, investment, and other areas of mutual interest.