Key Highlights

• New national plan “Tchad Connexion 2030” earmarks $1.5 billion for digital transformation.
• Government aims to boost internet penetration from 13.2% in 2025 to 30% by 2030.
• Strategy includes infrastructure upgrades, telecom sector reform, and e-government services.

Chad has unveiled a national development plan that includes $1.5 billion in digital investment by 2030. The initiative is part of the broader “Tchad Connexion 2030” strategy, presented last week by the Ministry of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation.

The digital roadmap, known as Program 3 within the strategy document, aims to position Chad among Africa’s leading economies within six years. It focuses on expanding digital coverage, modernizing telecom infrastructure, and driving administrative digitization.

One of the plan’s core infrastructure goals is to complete a third international internet connection by 2030, including a 509-kilometer fiber link from N'Djamena to the Nigerien border. The government also intends to allow private operators to establish international routes to Libya and Egypt, aiming to reduce digital isolation.

According to DataReportal, Chad’s internet penetration stood at 13.2% in early 2025. The new strategy targets a 30% rate by 2030.

To lower consumer costs and foster competition, the government plans to privatize state-owned operator Sotel and introduce a third telecom player. “Privatize Sotel to bring in a third market player and stimulate competition by managing infrastructure,” the document states.

On digital public services, “Tchad Connexion 2030” sets out to digitize and interconnect all major public and semi-public institutions. The goal is to deliver a full suite of e-government services. Chad currently ranks low in this domain, with a 0.1785 score on the UN’s E-Government Development Index (EGDI).

However, the strategy does not address cybersecurity—a growing concern across Africa. Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky recorded over 131.5 million web threats on the continent in 2024 alone. The rise of AI is also increasing the complexity and frequency of attacks, underscoring the need for targeted digital defenses.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho