The Republic of Chad is stepping up its digital transformation agenda through a high-profile mission to the United States capital. From May 23 to 31, 2026, a government delegation led by Haliki Choua Mahamat, Minister of Telecommunications, Digital Economy and Digitalization, engaged in strategic discussions with American officials and leading technology firms in Washington.
This outreach mission reflects N’Djamena’s commitment to accelerate digital adoption across public services, private sector operations and national infrastructure. The delegation’s agenda focused on securing partnerships, technical expertise and investment to modernize the country’s digital ecosystem.
Key partnerships under negotiation
The delegation met with representatives from the U.S. State Department and Commerce Department, as well as major players in digital infrastructure, data connectivity and cybersecurity. Among the companies involved were Starlink, InterSystems, Cybastion, Vertiv and 19Labs.
Discussions centered on priority projects including:
- National broadband expansion to bridge the digital divide and improve internet affordability
- Digitalization of public services to streamline government operations and citizen access
- Cybersecurity enhancement to protect digital infrastructure and data
- Healthcare digitization to modernize patient care and hospital management
Starlink: addressing service quality and pricing concerns
A key focus was the meeting with Starlink, the satellite internet provider. Chadian officials raised concerns over service quality and pricing compared to other African markets. Improving internet access remains a strategic priority, as traditional telecom infrastructure struggles to meet growing demand from government agencies, businesses and households.
Healthcare digitization on the agenda
Digital health emerged as another critical area of collaboration. Discussions included plans to digitalize public hospitals and health centers across Chad. The goal is to enhance medical data management, patient monitoring and overall healthcare efficiency through digital solutions.
Building local digital capabilities
Capacity building was also a central theme. The delegation explored opportunities for knowledge transfer and skills development in key areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital professions. The aim is to strengthen local expertise and reduce reliance on foreign specialists.
From dialogue to tangible outcomes
For Chad, this mission represents a step toward leveraging digital technology as a driver of economic diversification and modernization. While the country faces challenges in connectivity and digital inclusion, the government is determined to turn these discussions into concrete projects that enhance infrastructure, public services and global competitiveness.
