# Thomas Boni Yayi

_Beninese politician and Former President of Benin_

Canonical: https://diginpl.com/people/thomas-boni-yayi
Last updated: 2026-11-01

> Thomas Boni Yayi is a Beninese banker and politician who was the president of Benin from 2006 to 2016. He took office after winning the March 2006 presidential election and was re-elected to a second term in March 2011. He also served as the chairperson of the African Union from 29 January 2012 to 27 January 2013 and currently serves as a senator since 30 July 2026.

## Quick facts

- **Born:** 1 July 1952 ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29196#P569))
- **Place of birth:** Tchaourou ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29196#P19))
- **Citizenship:** Benin ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29196#P27))
- **Occupation:** politician; economist; banker ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29196#P106))
- **Political party:** independent politician ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29196#P102))
- **Education:** University of Abomey-Calavi; Paris Dauphine University; University of Orléans; Université Cheikh Anta Diop ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29196#P69))
- **Spouse:** Chantal Yayi ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29196#P26))
- **Official website:** ortb.bj ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29196#P856))
- **Positions held:** Chairperson of the African Union (29 January 2012 – 27 January 2013); President of the Republic of Benin (6 April 2006 – 6 April 2016); President of West African Development Bank (1994–2006) ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29196#P39))
- **Awards:** Commander of the National Order of Benin; Grand Cross of the National Order of Benin; National Order of Burkina Faso; National Order of Chad; Commander of the National Order of Mali; National Order of Niger; Grand Cross of the National Order of the Ivory Coast; Commander of the National Order of the Lion; Algerian National Order of Merit, Atheer rank; Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Rose of Finland; Knight of the National Order of Merit ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29196#P166))

## Questions

**When was Thomas Boni Yayi born?**  
Thomas Boni Yayi was born on 1 July 1952 in Tchaourou.

**What positions has Thomas Boni Yayi held?**  
Positions held by Thomas Boni Yayi include: Chairperson of the African Union (2012–2013); President of the Republic of Benin (2006–2016); President of West African Development Bank (1994–2006).

**Where did Thomas Boni Yayi study?**  
Thomas Boni Yayi was educated at University of Abomey-Calavi, Paris Dauphine University, University of Orléans, Université Cheikh Anta Diop.

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## Sources

- [Wikipedia (English): Thomas Boni Yayi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Boni_Yayi) — [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)
- [Wikidata item Q29196](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29196) — [CC0 1.0](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)
- [Image: Yayi Boni.jpg by Wilson Dias/ABr (CC BY 3.0 br)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Yayi_Boni.jpg)

## Licence and attribution

Text from the Wikipedia article Thomas Boni Yayi, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. This page's text is shared under the same licence. Facts from Wikidata (CC0). Image: Yayi Boni.jpg — Wilson Dias/ABr, CC BY 3.0 br.

## Cite this page

"Thomas Boni Yayi". DigiNepal. Last updated 1 November 2026. https://diginpl.com/people/thomas-boni-yayi. Retrieved 6 November 2026.