By Fatimé Mahamat Youssouf
N’DJAMENA — Under the shade of a neem tree in the bustling Diguel district of Chad’s capital, 24-year-old startup founder Abakar Oumar tinkers with the latest version of his solar-powered irrigation prototype. What started as a university project aimed at helping his uncle’s farm survive the dry season has now evolved into a small company employing five people—and attracting attention across the Sahel.
“I didn’t want to wait for change. I wanted to be part of it,” says Oumar, adjusting a solar panel with practiced ease. “Our generation believes in solutions, not just problems.”
Across Chad, young people like Abakar are forging a new narrative—one not defined by conflict or hardship, but by creativity, resilience, and the bold pursuit of opportunity. From app developers in N’Djamena to agri-tech innovators in Moundou and social entrepreneurs in Abéché, the spirit of innovation is taking root in one of Africa’s youngest nations.
A Generation Powered by Possibility
Nearly 70% of Chad’s population is under the age of 25. While this youthful demographic presents economic and social challenges, it also offers enormous potential. And many Chadian youth are seizing it.
Local tech hubs, often supported by international NGOs and diaspora partnerships, are beginning to thrive. “We’ve seen a real shift,” says Ngarmbatina Delphine, coordinator of Tech Tchad, a digital incubator based in N’Djamena. “Young Chadians are designing apps in French, Arabic, and local languages to address everything from health care access to online learning.”
Among their recent success stories is SooNeed, a locally built app that connects families with on-demand medical consultations via phone—a game-changer in remote regions where doctors are few and far between.
Women Entrepreneurs Changing the Game
Equally inspiring is the surge of women-led startups. In the southern town of Sarh, 29-year-old Aïcha Nguetjina runs a small natural cosmetics brand that uses shea butter and desert herbs. “I wanted to create a business rooted in our culture, using what we have and what we know,” she says. Her products are now sold in markets across southern Chad and even in parts of Cameroon.
Government-backed training programs like Programme d’Appui à l’Entrepreneuriat des Jeunes (PAEJ) are helping turn passion projects into viable businesses. “It’s not just about loans,” says Aïcha. “It’s about being seen and heard.”
A Path Forward
Challenges remain, of course. Internet access is limited outside major cities, and infrastructure gaps persist. But Chadian youth are not waiting for perfect conditions. They’re leveraging mobile phones, local networks, and community support to build what they can with what they have.
The energy on the ground is palpable. At a recent youth forum in N’Djamena, attendees shared ideas ranging from sustainable cattle feed to digital tools for language preservation. “When we collaborate, things happen,” said 22-year-old student Aminata Alher. “We’re not just the future—we’re the now.”
As the world slowly takes notice, one thing is becoming clear: Chad’s youth are not just dreaming of a better tomorrow. They are creating it—one app, one business, and one bright idea at a time.
