When he was appointed to the Economy and Finance portfolio in April 2016, the Beninese were surprised by his youth. A strong man, Romuald Wadagni is today a centerpiece in the reform system initiated by the Head of State and his government. The country’s great financier reconsiders the strategy to be implemented to meet its economic and financial challenges. Without forgetting some more political comments Jeune Afrique: In May 2017, Benin adopted a comprehensive public finance management reform plan. Why such a document? Romuald Wadagni: The objective is to provide Benin with a transparent, efficient public finance management system that complies with international standards, respects the constitutional distribution of prerogatives between institutions, and resolutely puts public finances at the service of development. of the country and its citizens. It is a set of 175 actions that affect areas such as budgeting, mobilization of financial resources and the quality of public expenditure. This plan provides answers to a double requirement: the impetus for reforms and an innovative approach to their implementation. To ensure the development of Benin, no concession is possible You recently denounced the corruption which continues to plague the State, in particular in the Treasury and in Taxation. What is your action plan in this area? More than a commitment, the fight against corruption and impunity is an imperative for us. To date, more than 200 billion F CFA (nearly 305 million euros) have been saved as a result of our anti-corruption operations. And we don’t intend to slow down. To ensure the development of Benin, no concession is possible. President Talon has been very clear on the matter. Having taken up the challenge of democratic stability, the country must now succeed in the challenge of governance. Otherwise, the expected fruits of these reforms and their investments could be jeopardized.
