France, May 25 -- Wadagni, who won 94 percent of the vote in the 12 April election, takes over from former President Patrice Talon, who stepped down after two constitutionally-limited terms in office.

Reform agenda

Wadagni, who served as finance minister under Talon, is expected to continue Talon's reform agenda, which helped deliver steady economic growth and improve Benin's business climate.

In his inaugural speech, Wadagni promised to confront rising security threats and focus on job creation, access to basic services and social protection.

"Our economy has progressed. That's a fact. But we all know that national growth only makes sense when it becomes visible in people's everyday lives," he said, adding that "Benin will not yield ...