World Bank Increases Access to Broadband Connectivity in Chad

WASHINGTON, September 25, 2024 - The World Bank approved today a $92.2 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA)*, to expand access to affordable and resilient broadband connectivity and improve government capacity to deliver public services digitally.

The Chad Digital Transformation Project will strengthen the institutional, strategic, legal, regulatory and policy frameworks for Chadian people's access to broadband internet services, implement a reliable digital ecosystem, and develop strategies for the digitization of the public sector. It will expand broadband connectivity in rural, peri-urban and urban areas and strengthen the digital skills of the population, especially women and youth. It will also improve the technical services of the administration by developing the foundations of digital government services and systems, strengthening the digital capacities of public sector actors, and providing support for institutional coordination and knowledge transfer.

"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."

With a duration of five years, the Chad Digital Transformation Project will provide more than 4.5 million people in rural areas with access to broadband, and it will enable more than 2 million people to actively use the public digital platforms supported by the project. About 40,000 beneficiaries will receive digital training directly, including at least 25,000 women and girls as well as 2,000 people with disabilities.

* The International Development Association (IDA) is the World Bank's arm that helps the world's poorest countries. Founded in 1960, it provides grants and low- and zero-interest loans to finance projects and programs that stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty and improve the lives of the poor. IDA is one of the largest sources of aid to the world's 76 poorest countries, 39 of which are in Africa. Its resources benefit 1.6 billion people. Since its inception, IDA has supported development activities in 113 countries. The annual volume of its commitments has averaged $21 billion over the past three years, with about 61% of this amount going to Africa.