Patrice Talon was born on May 1, 1958, in Abomey, Benin.

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After studying mathematics and physical sciences at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Dakar, he entered the packaging and agricultural inputs business in 1983. Within ten years, he became Benin's leading private investor and private employer.

 

Patrice Talon's business activities diversified into the agri-food industry in Benin and Africa. Through a strategy of vertical and horizontal integration, they led to the creation of a true industrial group, a flagship of the national economy. In partnership with major global groups, he also invested in other sectors, notably hospitality, logistics, and port services.

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Having returned to Benin during the period marking the end of the socialist regime, which would later lead to the holding of the National Conference of Vital Forces, Patrice Talon became involved in the political debate very early on. As an economic operator, he considered that he could not exclude himself from this debate, which was of general interest since politics governed life in the community.

 

In the context of a democracy under construction where there was still no clear framework for the leadership of political parties, particularly opposition parties, Patrice Talon's involvement in the political debate and his support for the political class, regardless of political persuasion, were, for him, the best way to maintain political competition for the preservation of democracy. He has proven himself both in the management of his businesses and in supporting the initiatives of political forces committed to establishing the rule of law in Benin since the 1990s.

 

A candidate in the 2016 presidential elections in Benin under the slogan "The New Beginning," Patrice Talon proposes a mandate of change, transition, economic recovery, and reforms, particularly political ones, to drive new momentum in the country. He believes that a team of inspired and competent leaders is capable of successfully implementing a program to quickly revive Benin's development in a peaceful environment of democracy and freedom.

 

Elected President of the Republic with 65.37% of the vote in the second round, he took office on April 6, 2016.

Married to Claudine Gbénagnon, Patrice Talon is the father of two children.