Chad Launches Major Digital Infrastructure Project with €175 Million Investment

Chad Launches Major Digital Infrastructure Project with €175 Million Investment

January 5, 2026

Chad has taken a decisive step in its national digital transformation strategy with the official inauguration of the first phase of a critical infrastructure modernization program. The move underscores a broader trend across Africa, where governments are prioritizing digital sovereignty and nationwide connectivity as foundational elements for economic development and social inclusion.

The Ministry of Telecommunications, Digital Economy, and Digitalization inaugurated Phase I of the State Connectivity Infrastructure Modernization Project (PMICE) in Sarh, Moyen-Chari province. The ceremony, presided over by Minister Dr. Boukar Michel, was attended by government officials, community leaders, and technical partners. Minister Michel emphasized the strategic choice of Sarh, stating it reflects a commitment to territorial equity. “Digital must not stop at capitals; it must irrigate territories, connect regions and unite the Nation,” he said, framing connectivity as a core pillar of national development.

The newly operational phase represents a substantial investment of €175.1 million. Its scope includes three integrated components: the establishment of a National Data Center, the deployment of a 1,200-kilometer national fiber optic backbone, and a significant expansion of the state-owned SOTEL’s wireless network with dozens of new GSM, 3G, and 4G sites across the country. The minister linked this infrastructure to national security and modern governance, declaring fiber optics a lever for territorial justice and a measure of the state's digital sovereignty, a vision he credited to President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno.

For Chad's telecommunications and technology sectors, this project lays the physical groundwork for future digital services and economic activities. The enhanced connectivity is expected to improve internet access for businesses and citizens, potentially stimulating innovation and bridging digital divides between urban and rural areas. Officials also noted the project's completion demonstrates resilience, having advanced despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other transitional constraints, marking a key milestone toward a more connected and technologically empowered nation.

Source: techafricanews