Benin’s National Assembly has officially unveiled the 85 new members of the country’s Youth Parliament, marking the beginning of the fourth term of this civic initiative aimed at empowering young voices and nurturing the next generation of political leaders.
The selection process, conducted in partnership with the Baccalaureate Office, was praised for its transparency and inclusiveness.
The final list, signed by Louis Gbèhounou Vlavonou, President of the National Assembly, reflects a diverse and representative group of young Beninese from all departments of the country.
These youth delegates distinguished themselves through a rigorous evaluation process, showcasing their civic awareness and commitment to participating in the democratic life of the nation.
“These young parliamentarians are not only future leaders—they are active participants in shaping the present and future of our democracy,” said President Vlavonou, commending the successful candidates for their dedication and passion for public service.
The official installation ceremony for the newly selected youth parliamentarians is set to take place from June 27 to 29, 2025, at the Governors’ Palace in Porto-Novo.
Activities during the three-day event will include orientation sessions, institutional briefings, and leadership training designed to deepen the participants’ understanding of governance, parliamentary procedures, and national development priorities.
This initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie, which advocates for the establishment of youth parliaments across French-speaking countries to foster democratic values and youth engagement in political processes.
It is part of Benin’s ongoing commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and civic participation among its youth.
To support the success of this fourth mandate, the National Assembly has also set up a supervisory and support committee in accordance with Decision No. 2025-019.
The Assembly has allocated funding to cover all operational expenses related to the committee, reinforcing its dedication to mentoring and empowering the country’s emerging leaders.
