Romuald Wadagni at the Élysée: on Monday 5 October 2026, Benin's president was received by Emmanuel Macron for his first working visit to France. It comes just over four months after his inauguration on 24 May.
Wadagni at the Élysée: the programme of the visit
The Beninese president arrived in Paris on Sunday 4 October. That evening, he was guest of honour at a dinner of the Africa France Impact Coalition. According to the Beninese press, this coalition brings together some thirty projects worth 23 billion euros.
On Monday morning, the Élysée meeting was scheduled for 10 am. It was to bring both delegations together, then continue one on one. The programme then included the signing of agreements and a joint presentation.
According to the published programme, several members of the government travelled with the head of state. They included Corinne Amori Brunet, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Hugues Oscar Lokossou, Minister Delegate for the Mobilisation of External Resources. Culture Minister Yassine Latoundji and Alain Godonou, chair of the scientific committee on restitutions, were also part of the announced delegation.
Security and cooperation on the agenda
The talks were first to cover the bilateral relationship. The press also mentioned Benin's economic appeal and the drive to attract investment. Finally, security issues affecting West Africa held an important place.
The context explains this priority. Northern Benin has faced attacks by armed groups from the Sahel for several years. Moreover, relations between Paris and the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States, Benin's neighbours, have deteriorated sharply. Intelligence and military training were therefore among the areas of cooperation discussed.
Three agreements with AFD and Bpifrance
According to La Nouvelle Tribune and Le Matinal, Minister Hugues Oscar Lokossou signed several agreements with the French Development Agency (AFD) and Bpifrance. The amounts below are those reported by the Beninese press; no detailed official statement had been released at the time of publication.
| Area | Reported content |
|---|---|
| Electricity | PEDER+ programme to extend and develop electricity networks: 173 million euros in total, including a 50 million euro AFD loan |
| Fish farming and agriculture | 15 million euro agreement, including 10 million for a new fish farming development project |
| Health | Mandate letter with Bpifrance and a forensic haematology laboratory in Bordeaux: construction of a centre of excellence in Benin, with skills transfer |
The electricity programme also involves other European lenders, including the European Investment Bank. As for the forensic haematology centre, it is meant to train Beninese specialists locally.
Culture and heritage also on the programme
A visit to the musée du quai Branly was also planned, focusing on heritage cooperation. It follows on from the return of the 26 royal treasures of Abomey, handed back to Benin in 2021. A meeting with the Beninese diaspora in France was also announced on the sidelines of the visit.
A growing trade partner
On the economic front, the relationship is growing. According to the French Treasury, trade between France and Benin reached 309 million euros in 2025, up 18% year on year.
- French exports to Benin amount to 282 million euros, led by pharmaceutical products and electrical equipment.
- French imports from Benin reach 27 million euros (+58%), mainly tropical fruit, textiles and zinc alloys.
- The stock of French direct investment is estimated at 265 million euros in 2024, with some fifty subsidiaries and about 8,000 direct jobs.
These figures make Benin France's fifth-largest customer in the WAEMU, though well behind Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal.
A very active diplomacy since the inauguration
This trip to Paris follows a series of visits since May. The president travelled to Nigeria, Togo, Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal, among others, then to Kigali and Brazzaville. Our article From Kigali to New York, Benin steps up its international presence covers these stages.
What this means for Beninese nationals in Belgium
Nothing changes for your consular procedures. However, this visit highlights the priority the government gives to investment and European partnerships. Diaspora entrepreneurs will find open sectors and steps on our Investing in Benin page. To place this visit within the new executive's agenda, see our article on the first Wadagni government.
Sources
- La Nouvelle Tribune: Electricity, agriculture, health: Wadagni's three agreements in Paris; Wadagni meets Macron today
- Le Matinal: Wadagni-Macron: a relationship between equals
- Les 4 Vérités: 48 hours to assert Benin's place
- Libre Info: Romuald Wadagni expected on 5 October
- Jeune Afrique: Romuald Wadagni expected in Paris
- French Treasury: France-Benin bilateral economic relations
- Afrik.com: Benin between France and its AES neighbours
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