Chad and Nigeria are moving to strengthen cooperation in telecommunications, digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
Senior officials from both countries held discussions in N’Djamena on September 16, 2026, focusing on digital infrastructure and emerging technologies.
Chad’s Minister of Telecommunications, Digital Economy and Digitalisation, Haliki Choua Mahamat, and Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, led the talks.
Experts from both countries examined regional fibre-optic connectivity through the BRIDGE project. They also discussed digital government services, artificial intelligence, innovation and research.
Chad views the BRIDGE project as an opportunity to connect its networks to international infrastructure available through Lagos.
The Chadian ministry said stronger interconnection with Nigeria could improve network resilience and expand broadband access. It could also support wider regional digital and economic integration.
Mahamat said Chad wants to learn from Nigeria’s experience in technology, innovation and digital entrepreneurship. He said relevant practices could be adapted to accelerate Chad’s digital transformation.
Artificial intelligence was another focus. Chad expressed interest in partnerships around the African Tongues and Languages at Scale initiative.
The proposed cooperation could support national capabilities in AI and robotics. It could also promote academic and scientific mobility between the two countries.
Nigeria expressed readiness to support Chad on terrestrial and satellite connectivity, regulation and cybersecurity.
The talks ended with both ministers initialling a communiqué outlining a framework for cooperation.
