Chad: Focus on President Mahamat Déby’s digital ambitions
Chad is facing challenges in digital development that have contributed to a significant backwardness in this area. Over the next five years, the new President has set his sights on tackling these challenges and promoting inclusive digital development.
The new President of the Republic of Chad, Mahamat Idriss Déby, elected on 9 May, is convinced that digital technology is an essential driver for local development.
In his programme, the Head of State has proposed a series of initiatives aimed at accelerating and bringing to fruition the digital transformation already underway.
His ambition is to make Chad a fully integrated country in the digital age.
To ensure that Chad is fully connected by 2029, Mahamat Idriss Déby has announced the improvement of digital and telecoms infrastructures to extend high-speed, low-cost Internet connectivity throughout the country, including rural areas.
According to his forecasts, the integration of digital technologies will affect the education system in particular.
The aim is to guarantee Internet access in all schools, introduce digital education programmes and train former teachers in digital tools, in order to prepare the younger generation for the demands of the global job market.
Aware of the importance of digitising government services, Mahamat Idriss Déby has unveiled the creation of several services aimed at improving administrative efficiency, transparency and ease of access to public services.
Among these initiatives is the creation of a single national portal bringing togeher the current acts of each ministry, as well as the establishment of a single digital identity for each citizen.
This portal will enable citizens to carry out a variety of administrative procedures online, including the timescales and costs associated with traditional procedures.
To encourage the development of the ecosystem of small and medium-sized businesses and technological innovation, the President envisages support in the form of tax incentives, financing and appropriate infrastructure.
“Entrepreneurial initiatives and young people will be supported by setting up support schemes based on partnerships, sponsorship and mentoring with partner countries. They will benefit from easier access to the various administrations to simplify administrative procedures and advisers“, states the action plan.
In addition, technology incubators will be set up to encourage start-ups and innovative projects, providing an environment conducive to creativity and development.
All the investments announced by the Head of State aim to make Chad a country that is open to the world, connected, prosperous and offering equitable opportunities to all its citizens by 2029.
By strengthening digital infrastructures, modernising public services and supporting innovation, Chad aims to position itself as a key player in Africa’s digital economy.
Neil Camara
