Chad and France seek economic ties to redefine bilateral relations

Chad and France are attempting to redefine their bilateral relationship through economic cooperation following the termination of their military partnership in late 2024. While French forces departed Chad in January 2025, French companies maintain a presence in sectors such as agribusiness, construction, logistics, and trade, though investment stocks have declined from 111 million euros in 2019 to 48 million euros in 2024.

To attract capital and modernize the nation, Chad has launched the ‘Tchad Connexion 2030’ national development plan. This initiative aims to modernize infrastructure, develop digital capabilities, and establish the country as a regional hub for energy and logistics. The government is implementing reforms to improve the business climate, including a new labor code, tax exemptions for foreign investors, and the digitalization of state services via the National Agency for Investment and Exports (Anie).

Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain. Chad currently ranks 49th out of 54 African countries in attractiveness indices. Experts note that inconsistent access to electricity remains a primary obstacle to both domestic and foreign industrial investment.