Benin’s Wadagni meets Macron on first France visit

Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni has held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, focusing on security, energy, training, culture and broader bilateral cooperation.

First official visit to France

Wadagni met Macron at the Élysée Palace on Monday during his first official visit to France since taking office in May. The two leaders used the meeting to discuss the future of relations between Cotonou and Paris.

Security and energy on agenda

The discussions covered several areas of cooperation, including security, energy, professional training and culture. The talks also included broader economic and development priorities between the two countries.

Macron stresses partnership

Macron described the relationship between France and Benin as one between equals, based on “friendship, trust and ambition”. The meeting comes as France seeks to maintain and rebuild partnerships across Africa after reducing its military presence in several countries.

France maintains security cooperation

France continues to support Benin’s security forces through training, including programmes for military pilots and special forces involved in operations against armed groups in northern Benin.

Regional tensions remain

Benin’s continued security cooperation with France has also created tensions with some of its neighbours. Niger has previously accused Benin of allowing French military personnel to operate from its territory, a claim that has contributed to strained relations between the neighbouring countries.

New financial commitments announced

Wadagni’s visit also produced new financing commitments for development projects in Benin. Agreements worth about €100 million were announced for electricity, agriculture and health-related initiatives.

Electricity network to receive funding

A major portion of the financing will support the expansion and strengthening of Benin’s electricity distribution network. The projects are intended to improve access to electricity and strengthen infrastructure.

Agriculture and health projects

Additional funding will support the development of aquaculture and agricultural activities, while another project will strengthen forensic medical laboratory capacity in Benin.

Cultural restitution remains important

Cultural heritage is another important issue in Benin-France relations. Benin continues to seek the return of national treasures taken during the colonial period, with some artefacts already returned by France in recent years.

More artefacts remain in France

Several other Beninese objects remain in French collections, including at major institutions such as the Louvre and the Quai Branly museum. The issue remains part of wider discussions about cultural cooperation and historical heritage.

France seeks stronger African ties

The meeting comes amid France’s efforts to develop a new approach to its relations with African countries. Paris has faced growing criticism and a reduced military presence in parts of West Africa, while countries in the region have increasingly diversified their international partnerships.

Benin seeks broader cooperation

For Cotonou, the visit provides an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with France while pursuing investment and development projects in key sectors. The latest agreements add an economic dimension to the renewed diplomatic engagement.