Chad’s digital push in Washington: partnerships with tech giants take shape

In a bold move to accelerate its digital transformation, Chad recently concluded a landmark mission in Washington, D.C., aimed at securing strategic partnerships with leading American tech firms. Led by Haliki Choua Mahamat, the country’s Minister of Telecommunications, Digital Economy, and Digitalization, the delegation engaged with top-tier companies and government bodies from May 23 to 31, 2026.

The high-level visits underscored N’Djamena’s commitment to modernizing its digital infrastructure and expanding internet access across the nation. Key discussions centered on enhancing connectivity, fortifying national digital frameworks, and deploying innovative solutions in public services, cybersecurity, and healthcare.

Connectivity challenges at the heart of negotiations

One of the most critical discussions involved Starlink, the satellite internet provider under SpaceX. Chadian officials raised concerns about service quality and pricing, which they deemed less competitive than in several other African nations. Improving internet accessibility remains a national priority, as traditional telecom infrastructures struggle to meet the demands of government agencies, businesses, and citizens alike.

Digital health: a new frontier for collaboration

The mission also explored opportunities to digitize the healthcare sector. Meetings with American partners focused on projects to modernize medical facilities, including the country’s five university hospitals, 23 regional hospitals, and over 1,000 health centers. The goal is to streamline patient data management, enhance healthcare delivery, and boost overall efficiency through digital tools.

Empowering local talent in the digital age

Building local expertise was a recurring theme during the meetings. Chad’s government aims to strengthen national capacities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital professions. This strategy seeks to reduce reliance on foreign expertise and foster a thriving domestic tech ecosystem capable of driving sustainable growth.

From dialogue to action: shaping Chad’s digital future

The Washington mission reflects N’Djamena’s broader ambition to position digital technology as a cornerstone of economic diversification and modernization. With persistent challenges in connectivity and digital inclusion, the government is now focused on translating these discussions into tangible projects that will enhance infrastructure, public services, and the country’s competitiveness in Africa’s digital economy.