• Law expands mandate to data protection, cybercrime, AI oversight
• Reform aims to secure digital systems as Chad expands e-government

Chad's Senate, the upper chamber of parliament, has ratified a presidential ordinance reforming the National Agency for Information Security and Electronic Certification (ANSICE), following the National Assembly’s earlier approval of the bill. The reform aims to strengthen the agency’s ability to address growing cyber threats in an expanding digital environment.

Senators adopted the measure on Friday, March 13, after debate in plenary session. According to a statement from the General Secretariat of the Government (SGG), the law is intended to strengthen ANSICE’s operational capacity and consolidate the national cybersecurity framework.

“The reform will help strengthen the protection of government information systems and citizens’ data against cyber threats as digital technologies expand,” the statement said.

Expanded Responsibilities

According to the Chadian Press and Publishing Agency (ATPE), the reform significantly broadens the agency’s mandate. ANSICE will now oversee cybersecurity, personal data protection, electronic transaction security, cybercrime prevention and protection of the national information space.

The new law also gives the agency a greater role in regulating video surveillance systems and supervising drone use. It introduces provisions governing social media platforms, digital services and artificial intelligence systems. It also establishes a classification system for entities of vital digital importance and strengthens ANSICE’s regulatory, investigative and enforcement powers.

Several legal concepts are also updated to reinforce the regulatory framework, including those related to digital sovereignty, digital platforms, social networks and artificial intelligence.

The reform further aims to improve ANSICE’s organization and operational capacity through stronger technical and human resources, as well as closer coordination with national institutions and international cybersecurity partners.

A Strategic Digital Challenge

Minister of Public Security Ali Ahmat Akhabache told lawmakers that securing the digital space has become a strategic priority as public administration gradually digitalizes its services, according to ATPE. He said a stronger institutional framework would boost trust in electronic transactions and support the development of the digital economy.

This view aligns with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). In its Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, the organization said the development and use of information and communication technologies depend on a secure and trusted digital environment.

“Countries must have the technical and institutional capacity to identify, detect and mitigate cyber risks, respond to attacks and recover from them,” the ITU said.

The organization also urged governments to strengthen information sharing and implement cybersecurity standards, good practices and mechanisms to ensure ICT security. These priorities align with ANSICE’s expanded mandate.

Progress but Persistent Gaps

Chadian authorities have stepped up initiatives to secure national cyberspace. The government recently tasked Techso Group with securing the national data center ahead of its launch. The work includes a security audit and certification of the site and equipment to ensure compliance with standards for protecting critical infrastructure.

Cybersecurity is also a recurring theme in Chad’s digital partnerships. ANSICE joined the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) in November 2024. Chad is also among the early signatories of the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention), which establishes a continental cooperation framework.

On the legal front, Chad launched work on a national cybersecurity strategy in December 2022. The Digital Code, under development since December 2025, incorporates international standards on cybersecurity and data protection.

Despite these efforts, the ITU ranked Chad in Tier 4, the second-lowest category, of its Global Cybersecurity Index in 2024. While the country showed progress in regulatory frameworks and international cooperation, it still needs to strengthen technical capabilities, institutional capacity and cybersecurity development efforts.

Isaac K. Kassouwi