By Hassan Abderamane

Tech Africa, Tchad FlyingLabs, WeRobotics and the National Centre for Development Research (CNRD) joined forces to launch Chad’s first-ever Drone Café. This groundbreaking event took place on June 25, 2026, at the CNRD headquarters in N’Djamena, under the banner of “Unlocking the potential of civilian drones.”

The initiative is designed to shine a spotlight on how drone technology can revolutionize key sectors in Chad—particularly agriculture, livestock farming, and environmental conservation. Addressing a packed audience of national and international stakeholders, Professor Mahamoud Youssouf Khayal, Director General of the CNRD, declared that drones are no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day necessity. “With Chad’s vast landscapes, logistical challenges, and urgent needs for geospatial data and rapid crisis response, drones offer an unparalleled solution,” he emphasized.

The Director General outlined three critical areas where progress must be made to fully harness drone technology in Chad:

• Regulatory Framework: Balancing innovation with safety to ensure secure drone operations across the country.
• Workforce Development: Equipping the next generation with the skills needed to operate and maintain drone systems.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Fostering partnerships between government agencies, private operators, and academic researchers to integrate drone solutions seamlessly.

Mahamoud Youssouf Khayal extended his gratitude to the event’s partners—Tech Africa, Tchad FlyingLabs, and WeRobotics—for their vision and support. He urged participants to seize this opportunity to forge collaborations, share knowledge, and lay the groundwork for a national drone strategy. “Research isn’t an abstract endeavor; it’s a daily commitment. Drones embody this principle,” he remarked.

A highlight of the event was a presentation by Mahamat Issa Abakar, Director of Drone Tech Africa, who showcased drone-enabled agricultural research conducted in Chad’s Guéra Province. Footage captured in Mongo, Baro, and Tabo revealed how drone-assisted farming techniques could boost yields by up to 30%, particularly among women-led agricultural projects.

Ali Mahamoud, Head of Service at the CNRD, delved into the role of artificial intelligence in drone applications, emphasizing their potential to mitigate farmer-herder conflicts exacerbated by drought, water scarcity, and climate change. He also highlighted drones’ vital contributions to wildlife monitoring in Zakouma National Park, tracking transhumance corridors, mineral prospecting, and gold exploration—all of which rely on precise statistical data.

Dr. Djimassal, a research associate, provided further insights into satellite imagery, demonstrating how it complements drone data to map vegetation, rivers, savannas, pastures, and urban settlements in northern Chad. His analysis underscored the value of high-resolution imagery in resource management, lake monitoring, and forest conservation.

The day concluded with a panel discussion, giving attendees the chance to explore the broader implications of drone technology across Chad’s development landscape.