Beninese President Romuald Wadagni paid a working visit to Brussels on Wednesday, holding talks with senior European Union leaders aimed at strengthening a partnership focused on economic transformation, security and sustainable development financing.
According to authorities in Cotonou, Wadagni met with António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, at the headquarters of the EU institutions.
The discussions focused on deepening political dialogue between Benin and the European Union and identifying ways to strengthen cooperation in response to emerging development challenges.
During a working session at the European Council, the Beninese leader and his counterparts reviewed shared priorities and key areas of bilateral cooperation, with the aim of injecting fresh momentum into a relationship built on mutual trust, stability and common interests.
At the European Commission headquarters, Wadagni and von der Leyen examined opportunities to expand the EU-Benin partnership across several strategic sectors, including economic transformation, security, sustainable development and investment mobilisation.
“Benin is a key partner of the European Union in West Africa. This relationship is founded on mutual trust and a shared commitment to improving quality of life for all,” von der Leyen said. She also highlighted the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which supports projects in transport and energy infrastructure, skills development and access to financing.
Three major priorities emerged from the discussions. The first centres on economic transformation and innovation, with a particular focus on industrialisation, job creation, the development of economic corridors linked to the Port of Cotonou, local processing of agricultural products and vocational training for young people.
The second priority concerns territorial development and security in northern Benin. It foresees increased support for local communities through strengthened basic infrastructure, expanded economic opportunities and measures aimed at preventing violent extremism in a region facing growing security challenges.
The third area of cooperation focuses on sustainable finance, notably through the Global Green Bond Initiative, a mechanism designed to facilitate investment in sustainable infrastructure projects across renewable energy, transport and agriculture.
According to Beninese authorities, the Brussels visit reflects the shared determination of Benin and the European Union to build a forward-looking partnership and position the country as a regional hub for growth, connectivity and investment in West Africa.
