Chad Demands Stronger Telecom Networks to Support Digital Economy
The meeting reflects increasing pressure on telecommunications operators in Chad as authorities seek better service quality, broader coverage and stronger digital infrastructure to support the country's economic and digital development goals.
Chad’s government has issued a strong warning to Airtel over the deteriorating quality of telecommunications services in the country, following a high-level meeting between government officials and senior executives of the operator.
Minister of Telecommunications, Digital Economy and Digitalization Haliki Choua Mahamat met with an Airtel delegation led by Francophone Africa Regional Director Anwar Soussa on June 24, 2026, to discuss persistent concerns over network performance and service delivery.
The meeting, which lasted nearly three hours, brought together senior government officials, telecommunications regulators, members of parliament, ICT advisers and representatives of the private sector. Discussions focused on the poor quality of Airtel’s voice and data services, which authorities say continue to affect consumers across the country.
During the meeting, the minister emphasized that the Chadian government now considers telecommunications networks to be critical national infrastructure that supports state operations, national security, economic activity and social cohesion. He stressed that improving network quality and expanding access to underserved areas have become national priorities.
Mahamat expressed dissatisfaction with Airtel’s service quality, citing widespread customer complaints regarding network reliability, call quality and internet access. He said the government expects operators to improve service delivery, increase network coverage and ensure greater customer satisfaction.
The ministry also criticized aspects of Airtel’s operational model, particularly the outsourcing of technical functions, equipment management and site maintenance. Officials argued that decision-making processes are often delayed because important operational decisions require approval from the group’s headquarters, slowing responses to local network issues.
Another major issue discussed was fibre connectivity. The minister instructed Airtel to connect to the state’s fibre infrastructure, noting that new fibre networks being deployed in eastern and northern Chad will soon become operational. Mobile operators have been encouraged to utilize the national infrastructure to improve connectivity and network performance.
Airtel Chad Chief Executive Officer Brahim Nallar presented the company’s investment plans, outlining measures aimed at strengthening technical infrastructure and improving network quality. The plans include infrastructure upgrades and the introduction of new services intended to enhance customer experience.
However, government officials expressed skepticism about the implementation of the proposed investments, noting that similar plans had been presented in the past without delivering the expected improvements.
At the conclusion of the meeting, authorities reiterated that improving network quality and meeting customer expectations remain the government’s primary objectives for the telecommunications sector. The minister also warned that the government would continue to closely monitor Airtel’s operations to ensure that promised improvements are delivered.
The meeting reflects increasing pressure on telecommunications operators in Chad as authorities seek better service quality, broader coverage and stronger digital infrastructure to support the country’s economic and digital development goals.
