Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his Beninese counterpart, Romuald Wadagni, have called for a stronger and broader partnership between their two countries, urging officials to build on existing cooperation while identifying new areas where joint initiatives can produce tangible results. The call followed talks between the two leaders in Kigali on Wednesday, September 16, during Wadagni’s two-day official visit to Rwanda. It is his first official visit to the country since taking office in May 2026. The discussions focused on bilateral relations and opportunities to deepen cooperation between

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his Beninese counterpart, Romuald Wadagni, have called for a stronger and broader partnership between their two countries, urging officials to build on existing cooperation while identifying new areas where joint initiatives can produce tangible results. The call followed talks between the two leaders in Kigali on Wednesday, September 16, during Wadagni’s two-day official visit to Rwanda. It is his first official visit to the country since taking office in May 2026. The discussions focused on bilateral relations and opportunities to deepen cooperation between Kigali and Cotonou. Following their meeting, the two presidents directed their respective teams to strengthen existing areas of cooperation and explore new partnerships, with an emphasis on turning shared priorities into practical programmes. Rwanda and Benin already cooperate in areas including trade and investment, digital technology, agriculture, public-sector development, security and tourism. The relationship has expanded significantly in recent years. During Kagame’s 2023 visit to Benin, the two countries signed a series of cooperation instruments covering areas including taxation, air services, agriculture, digital development, investment, tourism, local governance and security. The agreements created a framework for deeper institutional and economic engagement between the two countries. Wadagni’s visit also comes with an established personal connection to Rwanda. Before becoming president, he served as Benin’s Minister of Economy and Finance and visited Rwanda in 2023 as a special envoy of then-President Patrice Talon. Kagame later travelled to Benin as the two countries continued efforts to strengthen their bilateral relationship. For Kigali and Cotonou, the latest talks point to a new phase in bilateral relations, with both sides seeking to move beyond agreements and expand practical cooperation in sectors that can increase trade, investment, technology exchange and institutional collaboration between the two countries.

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni during talks in Kigali focused on expanding bilateral cooperation and turning joint priorities into practical initiatives.

Last evening in Kigali, President Paul Kagame and Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni took a walk along the Nyarutarama Green Carpet, one of the city’s dedicated corridors for walking, running and outdoor activities.

A little more informed. A little more connected.