The economy of Chad faces significant challenges due to its geographic isolation, frequent droughts, inadequate infrastructure, and political instability. Approximately 85% of the population relies on agriculture, which includes livestock herding. Among Francophone African nations, Chad experienced the least benefit from the 50% devaluation of currencies in January 1994. Financial assistance from organizations like the World Bank and the African Development Bank primarily targets agricultural improvement, particularly in livestock production. The development of oil fields near Doba, initially scheduled for completion in 2000, faced financing hurdles and was delayed until 2003. Currently, ExxonMobil operates these fields. Chad ranks 147th globally in terms of gross domestic product, with $11.051 billion recorded in 2018.
Top Sectors in Chad
Agriculture in Chad
Agriculture stands as the backbone of Chad's economy, with approximately 85% of the population engaged in agricultural activities. The primary agricultural products include millet, sorghum, rice, peanuts, cotton, and livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats. Despite its importance, the sector faces challenges such as frequent droughts and limited access to modern farming techniques and infrastructure.
Infrastructure and construction in Chad
Chad's infrastructure sector encompasses transportation, energy, and telecommunications. Improving infrastructure is essential for facilitating economic growth and development. Efforts to enhance infrastructure include the construction and maintenance of roads, airports, ports, and telecommunications networks. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, limited expertise, and the vast geographic expanse of the country pose significant obstacles to infrastructure development.
Services in Chad
The services sector in Chad includes various subsectors such as finance, tourism, telecommunications, and retail. While services contribute to economic diversification and employment generation, the sector faces challenges related to limited access to financial services, underdeveloped tourism infrastructure, and a lack of skilled labor.
Minerals and Mining in Chad
Chad possesses mineral resources such as gold and uranium, which have the potential to contribute to economic growth. However, the mining sector remains relatively underdeveloped due to regulatory uncertainties, limited investment, and infrastructure constraints. Efforts to attract investment and streamline regulations are underway to unlock the sector's potential.