Benin: death of Gregoire Laourou, former Minister of Finance and Economy

A native of Bantè, in the Collines department, Grégoire Laourou was one of the key figures in the management of Benin’s public finances under President Mathieu Kérékou.

Before taking on the ministerial portfolio of Economy and Finance, he served for many years within the ministry in charge of the budget, where he held the strategic post of Director-General of the Budget.

Known for his rigour and his mastery of administrative machinery, he left his mark on the conduct of the country’s budgetary and economic policy during his time in government.

The announcement of his death has caused deep sorrow, particularly within the senior civil service and in his native Collines region.