Romuald Wadagni begins presidency in Benin with immediate reforms and diplomatic engagements
via Lefaso.net3 min read
Romuald Wadagni, a finance expert and former minister, was inaugurated as President of Benin on May 24, 2026, after winning the April 2026 election with 94.07% of the votes. He immediately formed his government on the evening of May 24, breaking from traditional transition periods. The new government, which includes both returning and new ministers, reflects a blend of continuity and administrative reorganization, with some ministries being split, others merged, and new portfolios created. Benin's governance system does not include a Prime Minister. The first Council of Ministers meeting on May 28 decided to hold sessions monthly, on the first Wednesday of each month, instead of weekly. President Wadagni reiterated his priorities: combating extreme poverty, reducing territorial inequalities, strengthening the regionalization of public policies, and focusing on national defense and security. He urged his government to accelerate reforms to improve the living conditions of the Beninese population. On June 3, 2026, the Council of Ministers announced free schooling for all girls in public general and technical secondary education across the country, starting from the 2026-2027 academic year. This expands on existing free schooling for girls in the first cycle. To support this initiative and ensure decent learning conditions, the government allocated 20 billion FCFA to accelerate access to potable water and electricity for all public secondary schools currently lacking these facil
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CFAO Mobility officially launched its range of hybrid vehicles in Burkina Faso on Thursday, June 4, 2026, during a press conference held at its showroom. The hybrid vehicles, from Suzuki and Toyota, include models such as the Suzuki Grand Vitara, the new Suzuki Accross, the Toyota Urban Cruiser, the Corolla Cross, the new RAV4, and the Land Cruiser 300. CFAO Mobility's decision to introduce hybrid technology is based on a pragmatic analysis of the Burkinabe market, aiming to offer customers a new experience with comfortable, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly vehicles. These hybrid vehicles combine a thermal engine and an electric motor, recharging automatically while driving without needing an external charging station. The system intelligently manages energy, prioritizing the electric motor at low speeds, combining both for acceleration, and using the thermal engine at steady speeds. During braking and deceleration, energy is recovered to recharge the battery through a regenerative braking system, providing a smooth and quiet driving experience similar to conventional vehicles. According to General Manager Camile Wassom, these hybrid models offer customers responsible and secure driving, with the advantage of very low fuel consumption and reduced fuel budgets. While slightly more expensive initially, the investment is quickly recouped through fuel savings. Commercial and Marketing Director Ariane Liehoun/Ouédraogo added that Toyota and Suzuki hybrid vehicles are k
RIMCO MOTORS officially launched the CHERY brand in Burkina Faso on June 4, 2026, marking a significant step in the group's regional expansion strategy and its ambitions in the West African market. The event included the inauguration of its renovated showroom in Ouagadougou. This move reflects RIMCO MOTORS' confidence in Burkina Faso's economic potential and its aim to contribute to the transformation of the automotive sector through innovation, service quality, and long-term investment. The launch was attended by partners, private sector actors, and public authority representatives, including the president of the special delegation of the municipality of Ouagadougou and the minister of industry, commerce, and crafts. Philippe Huart, operations director for RIMCO MOTORS Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, presented CHERY models like the Tiggo 2 Pro, Tiggo 4 Pro, Tiggo 7 Pro, Tiggo 8 Pro, and Arrizo 5, highlighting their modern design, advanced technology, and high standards of comfort and safety. Rami Tueni, country director and branch manager for RIMCO MOTORS Burkina Faso, emphasized the company's commitment to the country's development beyond commercial objectives. CHERY, founded in 1997, is a leading Chinese automotive manufacturer and exporter, present in over 100 countries. RIMCO MOTORS, established in 2005, operates in nine African countries, distributing over twenty international brands. Headquartered in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, RIMCO MOTORS is the regional automotive platf
Must ReadPope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica humanitas, published on May 25, 2026, is generating significant interest within the digital technology sector. Taylor Black, Director of AI Ecosystems and Startups at Microsoft, stated in an interview with Vatican News that the encyclical offers valuable insights into understanding the human person, which has become a critical consideration in artificial intelligence development. Black explained that generative AI systems increasingly rely on user interaction, necessitating a deeper understanding of human behaviors, values, and thought processes. He noted that technology companies are now exploring philosophical and religious perspectives to enhance their thinking on the uses and impacts of these technologies. Black believes the encyclical provides useful guidance for designing responsible AI, particularly concerning child protection and fostering critical thinking in response to machine-generated content. He advocates for increased dialogue among developers, philosophers, theologians, and religious leaders to guide AI evolution and address its ethical challenges.
The African Intellectual Property Organization OAPI is organizing the 10th African Exhibition of Invention and Innovative Enterprise, formerly known as SAIIT, from October 5 to 7, 2026, in Niamey, Niger. The theme for this edition is "Intellectual Property and Financing Innovative SMEs." The exhibition aims to identify top research outcomes, utility models, inventions, and technological innovations that can lead to new business creation or enhance the competitiveness of existing companies through innovative products or services. It also seeks to promote utility models, inventions/innovations, and innovative enterprises, and to assess the level of creativity within member states. The call for applications is open to inventors, researchers, universities, research and development institutions, higher education establishments, engineering schools, and businesses from OAPI member states. Selections will be based on novelty, inventiveness, and commercial opportunity. Several awards, including the Grand Prize of the President of the Republic, will be presented to the best inventions and technological innovations. Applications must be submitted online via https://online.forms.app/oapi-file/saiit by June 30, 2026. Additional information is available on the SAIIT website at www.siege.oapi.int/saiit. OAPI is an intergovernmental office for seventeen member states, responsible for issuing industrial property titles such as invention patents, utility model registration certificates, trade