N’Djamena, Chad – France and Chad have reaffirmed their economic partnership with the signing of a €15 million ($16.2 million) budget support agreement on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The agreement aims to bolster Chad’s macroeconomic stability and fund key infrastructure projects, signaling a renewed diplomatic effort between the two nations.
The financing was formalized in N’Djamena by Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Chad’s Minister of State for Finances, Budget, Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, and Philippe Chedanne, Director of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) in N’Djamena. French Ambassador to Chad, Éric Gérard, was also present at the signing.
According to the AFD, the funds will be allocated to two primary areas: the renovation of the runway at N’Djamena International Airport, known as Hassan Djamous Airport, and support for Chad’s cotton industry through the Cotton Sector Support Fund (FSSC). The airport improvements are intended to enhance safety, capacity, and regional connectivity, whereas the investment in the cotton sector seeks to strengthen a vital component of the national economy and support rural livelihoods.
This agreement represents a significant step in rebuilding relations after a period of tension. Recent reports indicate a shift towards strategic reconciliation between France and Chad, despite a temporary diplomatic rift last year. The renewed partnership underscores the importance of economic cooperation in stabilizing the Sahel region.
“This subsidy is intended to support the macroeconomic and budgetary consolidation of the country through the financing of eligible expenditure,” officials stated. Both Chad and France have expressed their commitment to supporting reforms and investments that promote public financial stability, essential services, and economic development within Chad.
The AFD has been active in Chad for over 60 years, focusing on access to essential services and supporting the country’s economic resilience in the face of climate challenges, such as recent flooding. More information about AFD’s operate in Chad can be found on their website.
The development underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen economic ties between France and African nations, and could influence future diplomatic talks in the region.
