Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni has held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, marking his first official visit to France since taking office in May 2026.
Wadagni was received at the Élysée Palace on Monday, October 5, in a meeting that comes as France seeks to redefine its economic and strategic relationship with African countries.
The discussions focused on areas including security, energy, professional training and cultural cooperation, reflecting the broad range of interests shared by Paris and Cotonou. Macron described the relationship between the two countries as one built on friendship, trust and ambition, while presenting it as a partnership between equals.
Wadagni’s First Official Visit to France
The meeting represents an important diplomatic step for Wadagni, who was sworn in as Benin’s president on May 24 after winning the April 2026 presidential election.
He succeeded Patrice Talon, who had led the country since 2016 and completed his constitutional two-term limit.
Before becoming president, Wadagni was closely involved in Benin’s economic affairs and had served as minister of economy and finance under Talon. His previous experience in government means he already has an established working relationship with several international partners, including France.
The Paris visit therefore gives the new administration an opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships while presenting its priorities for the coming years.
France Pushes for a New Economic Relationship With Africa
Wadagni’s meeting with Macron comes at a time when France is attempting to move its African strategy away from its traditional emphasis on military cooperation.
Paris has lost significant military influence in several African countries in recent years, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and other former partners. In response, Macron’s government has increasingly promoted trade, investment, technology, training and private-sector partnerships.
At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi in May, France announced investment commitments worth about €23 billion for projects across Africa. The package includes French investment as well as African capital and is focused on areas such as energy, technology, agriculture and infrastructure.
The initiative is part of France’s broader attempt to build what Macron has described as more balanced partnerships with African countries.
Security Remains Important
Despite the changing nature of France’s engagement, security remains an important part of the relationship with Benin.
Benin has faced growing security concerns in its northern regions, particularly from militant groups operating in the wider Sahel and West African region.
France continues to support Benin through military training, including assistance involving pilots and special forces. The two countries also maintain wider defence and professional training cooperation.
The security relationship has also attracted attention from Benin’s neighbours, particularly countries in the Alliance of Sahel States, which have pursued a more confrontational approach towards France.
Energy, Skills and Culture on the Agenda
Beyond security, economic cooperation was another major component of the discussions in Paris.
France remains an important investor and development partner for Benin. French companies operate in areas including agriculture, logistics, construction, energy, banking, tourism and distribution.
France’s development agency, AFD, also has a substantial portfolio of projects in Benin covering infrastructure, urban development, professional training and agriculture.
Education and skills development are also increasingly important to the partnership, particularly as Benin seeks to expand opportunities for its growing young population.
Cultural relations form another part of the bilateral agenda. Benin has continued to push for the return of cultural objects taken during the colonial period, with some artefacts already returned by France. Further discussions over cultural heritage remain part of the broader relationship between the two countries.
Paris Meeting Comes Amid Wider Investment Push
The meeting between Wadagni and Macron also follows up on the commitments announced during the Africa Forward Summit.
The Nairobi meeting brought together African and French political and business leaders and resulted in investment plans involving billions of euros. French officials have said the initiative is intended to encourage greater private-sector investment and move beyond a traditional donor-recipient relationship.
For Benin, the renewed focus on investment could create opportunities in infrastructure, energy, technology, skills development and other sectors considered important to the country’s economic expansion.
A number of financial commitments involving France and Benin were also announced around Wadagni’s Paris visit, further highlighting the economic dimension of the relationship.
A New Chapter for Benin-France Relations
Wadagni’s meeting with Macron comes at a significant moment for both countries.
For Benin, the new administration is seeking to deepen international partnerships while addressing economic and security challenges at home. For France, strengthening relations with countries such as Benin is part of a wider effort to rebuild influence on the continent through investment, business and strategic cooperation.
Whether the renewed approach will produce lasting results will depend on how effectively the announced partnerships translate into projects and opportunities on the ground.
For now, the meeting in Paris signals that Cotonou and Paris intend to maintain close ties while adapting their relationship to a rapidly changing political and economic landscape across Africa.
