Chadian authorities have announced a comprehensive set of strategic policies aimed at strengthening the nation’s digital infrastructure and reducing its heavy reliance on Cameroon for international internet connectivity. Central to these reforms is the planned establishment of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) in key cities across Chad, a move designed to improve local traffic management, enhance network efficiency, and significantly reduce latency for users within the country.
In addition to local traffic improvements, the government intends to develop redundant international connectivity links with neighbouring countries including Libya, Algeria, and Nigeria. These new routes will diversify Chad’s internet pathways, enhance the resilience of its digital network, and support the government’s long-term vision of achieving greater digital sovereignty and self-reliance.
These initiatives respond to the persistent vulnerabilities and limitations of Chad’s current internet infrastructure. As a landlocked nation, Chad lacks direct access to submarine fiber optic cables and depends predominantly on a single connectivity route through Cameroon. This overreliance has frequently resulted in service interruptions—most notably a significant 24-hour outage in October and a recent disruption caused by unpaid dues to the Cameroonian provider.
Further compounding the challenges are uneven fiber optic coverage across Chad, high costs of access, and limited interconnection between domestic networks, all factors that have adversely affected internet quality and reliability nationwide.
By pursuing these reforms, Chad’s government seeks not only to stabilise and modernise the country’s digital infrastructure but also to enhance its integration with broader regional projects. Of particular importance is Chad’s participation in the Trans-Saharan Optical Fibre Backbone initiative, which aims to connect Algeria, Nigeria, and other regional partners, thereby fostering increased collaboration and connectivity across North and West Africa.
These strategic steps position Chad to build a more robust, independent, and modern digital ecosystem that can better serve its population’s growing connectivity needs and economic ambitions.
