UAE-Chad Forum secures $20.5 billion to support ‘Chad Connection 2030

The Republic of Chad has announced that it has secured two-thirds of the funding required for its five-year National Development Plan, ‘Chad Connection 2030’, amounting to $20.5 billion, through partnerships and agreements signed during the UAE-Chad Trade and Investment Forum in Abu Dhabi.

The announcement was made at the conclusion of the UAE-Chad Trade and Investment Forum, held on 10th-11th November, which marked the international launch of ‘Chad Connection 2030’, aimed at enhancing the country’s openness to global trade and investment, stimulating economic growth, and driving comprehensive development.

During the forum, 40 MoUs were signed with private sector entities in strategic sectors to diversify Chad’s economy, including energy, agriculture, mining, textiles, tourism, education, and manufacturing.

Chad also secured financing agreements and commitments from 30 donor entities and international financial institutions, notably the World Bank Group, the Islamic Development Bank, the African Development Bank Group, the Arab Bank for the Economic Development of Africa, and Afreximbank.

More than 2,000 participants attended strategic dialogue sessions during the forum, including senior leaders and officials, as well as prominent business leaders and investors.

During the forum, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, announced the completion of negotiation terms for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Chad, which will be finalised by the end of this year.

At the forum’s conclusion, Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, President of the Republic of Chad, said, "I extend my sincere thanks to our partners who, according to announcements and portfolio commitments, will contribute to mobilising around US$16.4 billion, in addition to private sector investors-mostly international-who signed 40 agreements and MoUs worth US$4.1 billion. Thus, in the first year of our five-year plan, Chad has successfully mobilised US$20.5 billion, confirming that the goal of US$30 billion is achievable. I call for the continued pursuit of reforms to reduce bureaucracy and significantly improve the business climate.” The ‘Chad Connection 2030’ plan is based on four main pillars implemented through 17 programmes comprising 268 projects and reforms, aimed at achieving a deep and sustainable economic and social transformation in Chad. These include accelerating the development of strategic infrastructure such as expanding electricity and water networks, digitising the economy, enhancing transport networks and international corridors, improving navigation in lakes and major rivers, and strengthening public institutions to ensure efficient and sustainable governance.

The plan also aims to strengthen social policies in education, youth, health, vocational training, and employment to support human capital development and social inclusion. It further seeks to expand and diversify the economic base and promote national industries under the "Made in Chad” initiative through the development of agriculture, livestock, fisheries, hydrocarbons, mining, and tourism sectors, alongside improving the business environment and activating economic diplomacy to enhance the country’s attractiveness to investors.

The UAE-Chad Trade & Investment Forum, held in Abu Dhabi, marks a new phase in economic cooperation between the two countries, culminating in a landmark tripartite agreement aimed at transforming Chad into a leading regional hub for halal industries in Africa.

The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the forum, brought together the Islamic Chamber for Commerce and Development (representing the international private sector), the Chad Chamber of Commerce (representing the local private sector), and the Chadian Ministry of Trade.

Chadian and international officials stated that the accord will strengthen Chad’s economic development and open wide prospects for joint investments between the public and private sectors.

Yousef Khalawi, Secretary-General of the Islamic Chamber for Commerce and Development, said the new agreement aims to boost the role of local and international private sectors in implementing Chad’s national development plan "Chad Connection 2030.” He emphasised that Chad’s strategic location and vast livestock resources make it ideally positioned to lead Africa’s halal industry.

Ali Adji Mahamat Seid, President of the Chadian Chamber of Commerce, described the agreement as a turning point for the country’s economy, noting that its livestock wealth-estimated at more than 150 million head-can become a driver of growth through halal food production.

Ibrahim Goukoumi Nour, the First Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture, Mines and Crafts (CCIAMA) of Chad, said the partnership will create an integrated halal meat processing system with certified export labeling. He added that hosting the forum in the UAE, a global trade hub, provides a key opportunity to transfer expertise and technology to Africa, fostering sustainable development and stronger bilateral investment ties.

In the meantime, Chadian business leaders and company representatives described, in statements to WAM, the forum as a strategic platform to enhance trade and investment ties, with far-reaching benefits for development in Chad and across the African continent. They said the UAE’s advanced market, investment climate, and global trade networks make it an ideal partner for Chad’s emerging economy.

Falmata Barma, Manager, Barma & Co., Belgium and representative of the Chadian Diaspora Benelux, said the forum reflects efforts by Chadians abroad to connect investors with development opportunities at home. She explained that the Diaspora Benelux works to attract capital and expertise to support projects in agriculture, energy, housing, and education.

Adam Medella, CEO of Developing Capital Corporation in Chad, said the UAE remains a strategic partner for Chad in infrastructure, trade, and energy. He noted that Chad is open to investment in renewable energy, mining, technology, and agribusiness, emphasizing its untapped natural resources and central location as a gateway to African markets.

WAM