Internet in Chad: A national tragedy that needs to be addressed urgently.

Chad is already lagging in the global rankings according to the Human Development Index (HDI). To make matters worse, it carries another burden that hinders its progress: the deplorable quality of its internet services. Here, the internet doesn’t just crawl; it drags itself along. And as it does, it suffocates all hopes for economic, social, and educational development.

In a world where digital technology is indispensable—whether for commerce, education, or healthcare—Chad remains woefully behind. According to the Speedtest Global Index of 2023, the average fixed internet speed in Chad is a mere 1.4 Mbps. While other countries enjoy high-speed, efficient connections, Chadians are stuck with an archaic service reminiscent of the early days of the internet. To add insult to injury, subscriptions are among the most expensive on the continent, making this a double blow for users.

This situation is the result of a mix of negligence and poor governance. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may occasionally face sanctions or warnings, but in practice, these measures achieve little. Nothing changes. The same slow speeds persist, frequent outages remain a norm, often without explanation. In some cases, these outages are government-ordered, justified on political or security grounds. Even outside such directives, service disruptions are common, leaving users in the dark, despite the exorbitant costs they are forced to pay.

What’s even more frustrating is that these same ISPs, when operating in other African countries, deliver vastly superior services, often at more competitive prices. Why such disparity? Because in those countries, regulators and governments enforce strict standards and ensure compliance. Meanwhile, in Chad, the lack of action leaves citizens and businesses at the mercy of subpar services.

Take Rwanda as an example of what’s possible. Thanks to ambitious digital policies, internet access there is fast, affordable, and reliable. The country has even earned the nickname "Africa’s Silicon Valley." Kenya offers another inspiring model. Through its "Kenya Digital Economy Blueprint," the nation has become a major technological hub. Startups thrive, innovations abound, and this progress stems from intelligent collaboration between public and private sectors. While these nations advance rapidly, Chad remains stuck in its digital quagmire.

The consequences are dire. Businesses lose hours of productivity due to constant outages. Students are deprived of access to essential educational resources. Young entrepreneurs, full of innovative ideas, see their ambitions stifled by an inadequate internet infrastructure. With an internet penetration rate below 15% in 2023, far below the African average of 43%, it’s nearly impossible to attract international investors or compete with neighbouring countries.

Recently, the potential arrival of Starlink in Chad has sparked lively debate. For citizens, it represents a glimmer of hope. Promising faster, more stable, and more affordable connections, this innovation could meet the growing digital needs of individuals, businesses, and students. It could also foster healthy competition within the sector, pushing local providers to improve their services.

However, this transition must occur within a transparent framework that safeguards national interests and meets user expectations. The goal must be clear: to provide every Chadian with access to quality internet, worthy of their ambitions. Let us hope that this opportunity becomes a reality and marks the beginning of a sustainable digital transformation for Chad. The future of the country depends on it.