00:00After 10 years in power, Benin's President Patrice Talon is preparing to hand over office this Sunday, May 24th, to
00:08his successor, Romero Duadani.
00:10On Wednesday, Talon chaired his final Council of Ministers in Cotonou,
00:14as government spokesperson Wilfred Umbeji defended the outgoing president's record and reforms during last press conference with local and international
00:23media.
00:24Since taking office in April 2016, Talon has overseen major economic reforms focused on fiscal discipline, infrastructure, industrialization and foreign
00:34investment.
00:36Benin's growth rose from 3.3% in 2016 to 7.5% in 2024, while inflation and public debt
00:45remain under regional limits.
00:47Projects including Glojibay Industrial Zone, expanded electrification and school feeding programs have been highlighted as part of his legacy.
00:56Officials also point to anti-corruption measures, digital tax reforms and efforts to attract international investors as key achievements of
01:04the Talon government.
01:06But critics continue to challenge Talon's political reforms and imprisonment of opposition figures ahead of the transition of power on
01:15Sunday.
01:17Thank you very much.
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