The government of Chad in early September inked five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with Chinese companies and institutions on projects spanning the transport, power, water and agriculture sectors.

The agreements were signed during the recently concluded China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC) 2024, held in Beijing.

One of the MoUs was signed with China CAMC Engineering Corporation for the greenfield construction of Djermaya International airport, to be located 30km north of Chad's capital N'Djamena.

The project is part of a long-term vision to provide the country with a modern airport infrastructure, facilitating trade and passenger transport.

According to studies prepared by France’s Enia Architectes, the new airport will cover an area of 40,000 square metres.

France’s Egis prepared the airport’s masterplan (including aeronautical studies) and feasibility studies for a passenger terminal, control tower and presidential pavilion sketches, airside and landside preliminary and detailed design, design management and coordination of the overall project.

At FOCAC 2024, the Chadian authorities also signed an MoU with China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) for the rehabilitation and extension of the electricity network of N'Djamena, a project aimed at modernising the electrical infrastructure of the capital to improve supply.

Another deal was inked with CMEC concerning the feasibility study for the supply of drinking water to the capital city and associated networks across Chad, thus contributing to improving access to drinking water for citizens.

Additionally, an agreement was signed for the rehabilitation and strengthening of sanitation and rainwater drainage networks in N'Djamena, in order to prevent recurring floods and improve the living conditions of residents.

The government also inked an MoU for the construction of modern integrated agricultural farms in the western areas of Bol and N'Djamena Fara, the central town of Yao and the southern locale of Boumou. The aim is to strengthen the country's agricultural production capacities.