Benin President Wadagni Seeks EU Support as Algeria's Attaf Visits Cotonou

President Romuald Wadagni of Benin met European leaders António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels, urging the EU to fund his industrialisation plan for the country. He highlighted three cooperation pillars: economic transformation and innovation around the port of Cotonou, security in Benin's northern border region, and governance and human‑capital development. The EU has previously pledged €255 million for Benin's development programme.

Algerian State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Attaf arrived in Cotonou for an official visit, holding talks with Benin’s foreign minister Corinne Amori Brunet. The two ministers pledged to deepen Algerian‑Beninese cooperation in energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and training, and agreed to convene a mixed commission and a business council to boost trade and investment. They also discussed joint security concerns in the Sahel and the broader region.