New policies target education access and emergency care as Wadagni embarks on diplomatic tour across West Africa

President Romuald Wadagni of Benin Republic has announced a series of sweeping reforms covering education, healthcare, and student welfare barely two weeks after assuming office, with key actions unveiled in Cotonou on Monday. Wadagni, who took office in May 2026 following a decisive electoral victory, has also completed official visits to five West African countries within his first fortnight.

In the first four days of his tenure, President Wadagni visited Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo, Nigeria, and Niger. According to the presidency, these visits were aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and reaffirming Benin’s diplomatic ties across the sub-region amid ongoing security and economic challenges in West Africa.

Among his first domestic moves was the introduction of free public secondary education for all girls nationwide—a policy designed to expand educational access and reduce gender disparity. The government said the initiative would help remove financial barriers facing young women and contribute to long-term human capital development. “This is a major step towards ensuring every girl has the opportunity to complete her secondary education,” an official from the Ministry of Education stated during a press briefing.

On healthcare, Wadagni’s administration launched a “Treat First, Pay Later” policy for emergency cases in public hospitals. Backed by CFA 1 billion funding from the federal budget, the programme guarantees that patients requiring urgent care will receive treatment before any payment is demanded. Health officials explained that this move aims to reduce delays in life-saving interventions and make emergency care more accessible to citizens regardless of their financial status.

In addition, the government deployed new university buses across major higher institutions to ease transportation costs for students. The Ministry of Higher Education noted that this initiative is expected to improve daily mobility for thousands of undergraduates while supporting access to tertiary education nationwide.

Wadagni’s rapid start reflects his background as a technocrat; he previously served as Minister of Economy and Finance under former President Patrice Talon and spent over fifteen years with global consulting firm Deloitte. Political observers say his early actions signal continuity in reform-driven governance while targeting key social sectors. As at Monday, no formal opposition response had been issued regarding these new policies.

Further policy announcements are anticipated as President Wadagni’s administration settles into office amid heightened expectations for sustained reforms in Benin’s economy and public services.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/in-just-15-days-in-office-here-are-major-things-benins-49-year-old-president-has-already-done-2026061009294340604