The World Bank has approved a $92.2 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA) to enhance broadband connectivity and improve digital public services in Chad. The initiative, known as the Chad Digital Transformation Project, aims to bolster the institutional, strategic, legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks for internet access in Chad.
The project will focus on expanding broadband connectivity across rural, peri-urban, and urban areas. It also aims to strengthen digital skills among the population, particularly women and youth. Additionally, it seeks to improve government technical services by developing digital government foundations and systems.
"This project will enable Chad to make a significant technological leap. As a landlocked country, Chad is lagging far behind in terms of internet penetration and access," said Rasit Pertev, World Bank Resident Representative in Chad. "The country's economy will benefit not only from increased mobilization of private investment in the digital sector but also from digital skills training programs that will facilitate the productive use of the internet and enhance the employability of young people."
Over its five-year duration, the project aims to provide more than 4.5 million people in rural areas with broadband access. It also plans to enable over 2 million people to actively use public digital platforms supported by the project. Approximately 40,000 beneficiaries are expected to receive direct digital training, including at least 25,000 women and girls as well as 2,000 individuals with disabilities.
The IDA is a branch of the World Bank that assists some of the world's poorest countries by providing grants and low- or zero-interest loans for projects aimed at economic growth and poverty reduction. Since its establishment in 1960, IDA has supported development activities in 113 countries.