e-Chad, situated in the heart of Africa, faces a myriad of challenges as it navigates its digital journey. With a population of around 17.4 million, the majority of whom reside in rural areas, the country grapples with issues of marginalization, particularly in the central and southern regions.
The political landscape in Chad has been marked by instability, particularly since April 2021, when a military government took control following a coup d’état after the death of President Idriss Déby Itno. Despite this, recent reports indicate that Chad is preparing for presidential elections in May-June 2024 (signalling a potential shift in leadership.)
However, the challenges extend beyond domestic politics. Chad finds itself surrounded by neighboring countries plagued by political volatility and internal conflicts, such as the Central African Republic, Niger, and Sudan. This regional instability has led to an influx of refugees seeking sanctuary in Chad, further straining its resources and complicating governance efforts.
In the midst of these complexities, Chad’s aspirations for digital transformation face significant limitations. The ongoing political uncertainty and regional instability cast a shadow over efforts to develop a digital government and economy. What’s more…The ability to implement effective policies and initiatives may be hampered by the need to address pressing socio-political issues and manage external pressures.
But, despite the odds, there is a glimmer of hope as the country navigates through turbulent times.
Where does e-Chad stand in the global scene?
In 2022, e-Chad was classified among the six African countries falling into the Low EGDI group according to the United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI).
But, if there’s one thing you have to remember about e-Chad, it is that low levels of infrastructure and human capital development have not been an impediment to investment in online service delivery.
Despite being categorised as low in terms of telecommunication infrastructure (TII) and human capital (HCI), e-Chad exhibits higher levels of online service delivery (OSI) and e-participation. This is quite remarkable….meaning that even with limited resources, the country has managed to leverage digital technologies effectively.
Speaking of e-participation, it’s noteworthy that e-Chad surpasses the regional average, indicating a growing engagement of its citizens in digital governance processes. This is a positive sign of democratisation and inclusivity in the digital sphere. What’s impressive is the significant improvement in e-participation, which has boosted the country’s global ranking by 53 places in just two years.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that vulnerable groups often face barriers to accessing e-government services due to financial constraints or limited digital literacy. In some remote regions like northern Chad, a complete lack of digital access necessitates alternative measures to ensure inclusivity.
Extending digital financial and non-financial services
Despite the implementation of the Government of Chad’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy (2019-2024), the reality on the ground tells a different story. Many of the 115 registered microfinance institutions in the country continue to grapple with significant challenges in meeting the needs of marginalised groups, particularly small businesses.
This is largely attributed to a lack of infrastructure, capacity, and reliable technological solutions. Recognising the urgent need to address these challenges, the ADFI (Africa Digital Financial Inclusion Facility) of the African Development Bank stepped in.
In 2023, they signed a grant agreement for $650,000 with the Government of Chad, aimed at providing innovative digital financial and non-financial services to women and youth. It’s like extending a helping hand to those who need it most, empowering them with the tools and resources to thrive in the digital age.
What I find particularly commendable about this initiative is its focus on leveraging digital technology to foster financial inclusion and economic empowerment… especially for vulnerable groups like women and youth. With digital innovation, Chad has the opportunity to bridge existing gaps in access to financial services and unlock new opportunities for socio-economic development.
However, I think it’s also crucial to recognize that simply providing digital solutions is NOT enough. Building digital literacy and capacity among public and private institutions as well as end-users are equally important. By investing in both infrastructure and human capital, Chad can create a more conducive environment for sustainable digital financial inclusion and broader socio-economic development.
Final remarks
In the end, I can only say this…by prioritizing initiatives to reduce internet costs, expand infrastructure, enhance digital literacy programs, and foster local innovation, e-Chad can overcome these challenges and pave the way for inclusive digital transformation.
Sources:
https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/Data/Country-Information/id/34-Chad
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/chad-hold-presidential-election-may-june-2024-02-27
