Chad and Nigeria have moved to strengthen cooperation in telecommunications, digital transformation and artificial intelligence following high-level discussions between officials from both countries in N’Djamena on September 16, 2026.
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 discussions, which brought together experts from both countries to identify areas for collaboration in digital infrastructure and emerging technologies.
The talks focused on regional fibre-optic connectivity through the BRIDGE project, digitalisation of government services, artificial intelligence, innovation and research. The discussions also explored opportunities to strengthen digital infrastructure links between Chad and Nigeria.
A key area of interest was the BRIDGE project, which Chad views as an opportunity to establish fibre-optic connectivity to international networks available through Lagos. According to the Chadian ministry, stronger interconnection with Nigeria could improve network resilience, expand broadband access and support regional digital and economic integration.
Mahamat said Chad intends to learn from Nigeria’s experience in technology, innovation and digital entrepreneurship and adapt relevant practices to accelerate its own digital transformation.
Artificial intelligence was another focus of the discussions. Chad expressed interest in exploring institutional and technical partnerships around the African Tongues and Languages at Scale initiative, with the aim of developing national capabilities in AI and robotics while promoting academic and scientific mobility.
Nigeria also expressed its willingness to support Chad in developing digital infrastructure. Tijani said Nigeria was prepared to collaborate with Chad on terrestrial and satellite connectivity, regulation and cybersecurity, while the two countries also examined other opportunities for joint development of digital infrastructure.
Experts from both countries made presentations on existing digital infrastructure, potential areas of cooperation and possible interventions. The discussions concluded with the two ministers initialling a final communiqué outlining the cooperation framework between Chad and Nigeria.
