Chad’s Digital Desert Transformed: Uncovering the Forces Powering the Internet Revolution

Chad’s Evolving Digital Landscape: Market Overview
Emerging Technologies Fueling Connectivity
Key Players and Shifting Dynamics in Chad’s Internet Sector
Projected Expansion and Market Potential
Connectivity Gaps and Progress Across Chad’s Regions
What Lies Ahead for Chad’s Digital Future
Barriers to Progress and Untapped Opportunities
Sources & References

“Chad, a vast landlocked nation in Central Africa, has one of the world’s lowest rates of internet connectivity. As of early 2025, only about 13% of Chadians use the internet, compared to a global average around 60% capmad.com. This places Chad near the bottom globally in internet access. The digital infrastructure is underdeveloped, and most… Read more” (source)

Chad’s Evolving Digital Landscape: Market Overview

Chad, a landlocked nation in Central Africa, has long been characterized as a “digital desert” due to its limited internet infrastructure and low connectivity rates. Despite a population exceeding 17 million, Chad’s internet penetration remains among the lowest globally. As of January 2024, only about 10.5% of Chadians had access to the internet, according to DataReportal. This figure starkly contrasts with the African average of 43% and the global average of 66%.

The country’s digital revolution has been hampered by several factors:

Infrastructure Deficit: Chad’s vast geography and underdeveloped telecommunications infrastructure have made it difficult to expand broadband networks. The country ranks 144th out of 146 in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2023 for ICT adoption.
High Costs: Internet access remains prohibitively expensive for most citizens. The average cost of 1GB of mobile data is $5.80, compared to the African average of $3.50 (Cable.co.uk).
Regulatory Barriers: The government has a history of internet shutdowns and social media blocks, particularly during periods of political unrest. In 2023, Chad experienced a 472-day social media blackout, one of the longest in Africa (Access Now).
Limited Digital Literacy: Low literacy rates and a lack of digital skills further hinder widespread adoption of online services.

Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress. The government, in partnership with international organizations, has launched initiatives to expand fiber-optic networks and improve digital literacy. The World Bank’s Central African Backbone Project aims to connect Chad to regional internet hubs, potentially reducing costs and improving speeds.

Mobile connectivity is driving the nascent digital revolution. As of early 2024, there were 8.5 million mobile connections in Chad, representing 49% of the population (DataReportal). Mobile money services are also gaining traction, offering financial inclusion to previously unbanked populations.

In summary, while Chad’s digital landscape remains arid, ongoing investments and policy reforms could transform the country from a digital desert into a more connected society in the coming years.

Emerging Technologies Fueling Connectivity

Chad, long considered one of Africa’s most digitally isolated nations, is experiencing a dramatic transformation in its connectivity landscape. Historically, Chad has ranked among the world’s lowest for internet penetration, with only about 10% of its population online as recently as 2020 (DataReportal). This “digital desert” was shaped by a combination of limited infrastructure, high costs, and frequent government-imposed internet shutdowns.

However, a quiet revolution is underway, fueled by emerging technologies and strategic investments. The arrival of fiber-optic cables, such as the Central African Backbone (CAB) project, has begun to break Chad’s digital isolation. The CAB, supported by the World Bank, aims to connect landlocked countries like Chad to international broadband networks, slashing latency and costs (World Bank).

Mobile Internet Expansion: Mobile operators, including Airtel and Tigo, have rapidly expanded 3G and 4G coverage. As of 2023, mobile internet penetration reached 18%, up from just 6% in 2017 (GSMA).
Satellite Connectivity: New low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services, such as Starlink, are being piloted to reach remote areas where terrestrial infrastructure is unfeasible. These technologies promise to bridge the last-mile gap for rural communities (BBC).
Digital Services Boom: The improved connectivity is spurring growth in digital services, from mobile banking to e-learning platforms, which are crucial in a country where traditional infrastructure is lacking.

Despite these advances, challenges remain. Internet access is still expensive relative to average incomes, and government restrictions persist, with periodic shutdowns affecting both social and economic activities (Access Now). Yet, the trajectory is clear: Chad’s digital desert is slowly giving way to a more connected future, driven by a blend of fiber, mobile, and satellite technologies. The coming years will be critical in determining whether this revolution can deliver inclusive, affordable, and reliable internet for all Chadians.

Key Players and Shifting Dynamics in Chad’s Internet Sector

Chad’s internet sector has long been characterized by limited access, high costs, and frequent disruptions, earning it the moniker of a “digital desert.” Despite being one of the least connected countries in Africa, recent years have seen a slow but notable shift in the digital landscape, driven by both government initiatives and private sector involvement.

Key Players

Société des Télécommunications du Tchad (SOTEL Tchad): The state-owned operator has historically dominated the market, but its infrastructure is outdated and coverage remains patchy, especially outside the capital, N’Djamena (BuddeComm).
Airtel Chad: As a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, this company is the leading mobile operator, controlling over 60% of the mobile market. Airtel has been instrumental in expanding 3G and 4G services, though coverage is still largely urban-centric (Bharti Airtel).
Tigo Chad (now Moov Africa Chad): Acquired by Maroc Telecom in 2019, Moov Africa Chad is the second-largest operator, focusing on mobile data and digital financial services (Maroc Telecom).

Shifting Dynamics

Internet Penetration: As of 2023, internet penetration in Chad stands at just 18.5%, far below the African average of 43% (DataReportal).
Government Control and Shutdowns: The Chadian government has a history of internet shutdowns, often during periods of political unrest. In 2022, a nationwide blackout lasted several months, severely impacting businesses and civil society (Access Now).
Infrastructure Investments: Recent partnerships with international organizations aim to improve connectivity. The World Bank’s Central African Backbone project is expected to boost broadband access, but progress is slow (World Bank).

Despite these efforts, Chad’s digital revolution remains hampered by regulatory hurdles, high costs, and limited infrastructure. The country’s journey from digital desert to connected nation is ongoing, with key players and shifting dynamics shaping its uncertain future.

Projected Expansion and Market Potential

Chad, often referred to as a “digital desert,” is undergoing a slow but significant transformation in its internet landscape. Despite being one of the least connected countries in Africa, recent developments suggest that Chad’s digital revolution could unlock substantial market potential in the coming years.

As of 2023, internet penetration in Chad remains among the lowest globally, with only about 18% of the population having access to the internet (DataReportal). This figure is starkly below the African average of 43% and the global average of 64%. The primary barriers include high costs, limited infrastructure, and frequent government-imposed internet shutdowns (Access Now).

However, the government’s recent commitment to digital transformation, supported by international partners such as the World Bank, is poised to change this narrative. In 2022, the World Bank approved a $100 million project aimed at expanding broadband infrastructure and improving digital skills across the country (World Bank). The project targets a 30% increase in internet penetration by 2027, which could bring millions of new users online and stimulate demand for digital services.

The projected expansion of Chad’s digital market presents significant opportunities for investors and service providers. The mobile sector, in particular, is expected to drive growth, as mobile internet accounts for over 95% of all internet connections in the country (GSMA). With a young and rapidly growing population—over 60% under the age of 25—there is a strong potential for adoption of e-commerce, fintech, and e-learning platforms as connectivity improves.

Market Potential: The digital economy could contribute up to 5% of Chad’s GDP by 2030, according to World Bank estimates.
Projected Growth: Internet users are expected to double by 2027, reaching over 7 million people.
Investment Opportunities: Infrastructure development, digital payment systems, and localized content creation are key growth areas.

While challenges remain, Chad’s digital revolution is at a critical inflection point. Strategic investments and policy reforms could transform the country from a digital desert into a burgeoning digital marketplace, unlocking new economic and social opportunities for its population.

Connectivity Gaps and Progress Across Chad’s Regions

Despite global advances in digital connectivity, Chad remains one of the world’s most digitally isolated nations. As of early 2024, only about 18% of Chad’s population had access to the internet, according to the latest data from DataReportal. This figure starkly contrasts with the African continental average of 43% and the global average of 66%. The digital divide is especially pronounced between urban centers like N’Djamena and remote rural regions, where connectivity is virtually nonexistent.

Chad’s “digital desert” is shaped by several interlocking factors. The country’s vast geography and sparse population density make infrastructure investments costly and logistically challenging. According to the World Bank, only 11% of Chadians live in urban areas, leaving the majority in rural zones where mobile and fixed broadband coverage is minimal or absent. Even in cities, internet speeds are slow and prices remain prohibitively high, with the average cost of 1GB of mobile data exceeding 7% of monthly income—well above the UN’s affordability target of 2% (Alliance for Affordable Internet).

Progress has been made in recent years, with the government and international partners investing in fiber optic backbone projects and expanding 3G/4G networks. In 2023, the government announced the completion of a 1,200-kilometer fiber optic link connecting N’Djamena to the Cameroon border, aiming to reduce reliance on expensive satellite connections (ITU News). However, the impact of these projects is still limited by high costs, regulatory hurdles, and a lack of last-mile connectivity to homes and businesses.

Urban-Rural Divide: Internet penetration in N’Djamena exceeds 40%, while in many rural regions it is below 5%.
Mobile Dominance: Over 95% of internet users rely on mobile networks, as fixed broadband is virtually unavailable outside the capital.
Affordability Crisis: The high cost of devices and data plans excludes millions from digital participation.

Chad’s digital revolution remains a work in progress, with significant gaps persisting across regions. Bridging these divides will require sustained investment, regulatory reform, and targeted efforts to make connectivity affordable and accessible for all Chadians.

What Lies Ahead for Chad’s Digital Future

Chad, a landlocked nation in Central Africa, has long been characterized as a “digital desert” due to its limited internet infrastructure, high costs, and frequent government-imposed restrictions. Despite a global surge in digital connectivity, Chad remains one of the world’s least connected countries. As of 2023, only about 18% of Chadians had access to the internet, a figure that starkly contrasts with the African average of 43% (DataReportal).

The country’s digital revolution faces significant hurdles. Internet services are not only sparse but also prohibitively expensive. The average cost of 1GB of mobile data in Chad is $7.09, making it one of the most expensive in Africa (Cable.co.uk). This high cost is compounded by a lack of competition; the market is dominated by a handful of providers, with Airtel Chad controlling a significant share. Infrastructure is another major challenge: only 11% of the population has access to electricity, limiting the potential for widespread digital adoption (World Bank).

Government policy has also played a role in stifling digital growth. Chad has a history of internet shutdowns, often imposed during periods of political unrest. In 2018, the government blocked social media for over a year, citing security concerns. These shutdowns have not only restricted freedom of expression but have also hampered economic development and discouraged foreign investment (Access Now).

Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress. The government has announced plans to expand fiber-optic networks and improve regulatory frameworks to attract investment. International organizations, including the World Bank, are supporting digital infrastructure projects aimed at bridging the connectivity gap. If these initiatives succeed, Chad could begin to shed its “digital desert” label and unlock the economic and social benefits of greater connectivity.

Chad’s internet penetration remains among the lowest globally.
High costs and limited infrastructure are major barriers.
Frequent government shutdowns have stifled digital growth.
Recent investments and reforms offer hope for a more connected future.

Barriers to Progress and Untapped Opportunities

Chad, a landlocked nation in Central Africa, remains one of the world’s least digitally connected countries, earning the moniker “digital desert.” Despite the global surge in internet adoption, Chad’s digital revolution has been stymied by a complex web of barriers, leaving vast opportunities untapped.

Limited Infrastructure: As of 2023, only about 10% of Chad’s population had access to the internet, compared to the African average of 43% (DataReportal). The country’s vast geography, sparse population, and underdeveloped power grid make it difficult and expensive to deploy fiber-optic cables and mobile networks.
High Costs and Low Affordability: Internet services in Chad are among the most expensive in Africa. The average cost of 1GB of mobile data is $7.09, while the regional average is $3.47 (Cable.co.uk). This pricing puts digital access out of reach for most Chadians, whose average monthly income is less than $100.
Regulatory and Political Hurdles: The government has a history of internet shutdowns, particularly during periods of political unrest, undermining trust and discouraging investment (Access Now). Additionally, a lack of clear digital policy and regulatory frameworks has slowed the entry of new players and innovation in the sector.
Digital Literacy and Local Content: Low literacy rates and limited digital skills further hinder adoption. Most online content is not available in local languages, reducing its relevance and utility for the majority of the population (UNICEF Chad).

Yet, these barriers also highlight significant untapped opportunities. Expanding affordable mobile broadband could unlock new markets for fintech, e-learning, and e-health. International donors and private investors are beginning to take notice, with projects like the World Bank’s Central African Backbone initiative aiming to improve regional connectivity (World Bank). If Chad can overcome its digital hurdles, it stands to benefit from the transformative power of the internet, driving economic growth and social inclusion.