The Chadian government has officially established a technical committee tasked with creating development plans for Zakouma National Park and Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve. The installation ceremony took place on September 24, 2026, in N'Djamena, and was presided over by Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Handicrafts, Abakar Rozzi Teguil. The committee's creation was announced on September 8, 2026, and its primary goal is to propose concrete strategies for harnessing the tourism potential of these two iconic sites while preserving their natural, cultural, and historical heritage.
The committee's mission aligns with the vision of President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, particularly through his 12th project focused on promoting Chad's cultural and tourism attractions. The initiative follows a partnership agreement signed on July 2, 2026, between the government and African Parks. According to Minister Teguil, Zakouma and Ennedi should become significant drivers of tourism, economic, and territorial development, benefiting the nation and local populations.
Minister Teguil emphasized the importance of placing local communities at the center of the development process, ensuring they benefit from job creation, training, accommodation, and handicraft opportunities. He stressed that tourism should contribute to protecting and valorizing Chad's national heritage. The committee has been given a month to produce two separate but complementary plans that are realistic, operational, and prioritized, incorporating issues of accessibility, security, infrastructure, and financing.
The technical committee's establishment is a significant step towards unlocking the tourism potential of Zakouma National Park and Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve. These sites are renowned for their unique natural and cultural attractions, and their development is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy. The committee's work will be crucial in ensuring that tourism activities are sustainable and benefit local communities.
The Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve, in particular, is a site of great cultural and natural significance, and its development will require careful planning to preserve its unique heritage. The reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, as well as numerous archaeological sites. The committee's plans will need to balance tourism development with conservation efforts to protect the reserve's natural and cultural resources.
The development of Zakouma National Park and Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve is also expected to contribute to Chad's economic growth and diversification. The tourism sector has the potential to generate significant revenue and create new opportunities for local communities. The committee's work will be closely watched by stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and international partners.
The committee's plans will be presented to the government for approval, and their implementation will require collaboration between various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and private sector operators. The success of the committee's work will depend on effective coordination and communication among all parties involved. The development of Zakouma and Ennedi is a priority for the Chadian government, and the committee's work is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Key points
- The committee has been given a month to produce two separate but complementary plans for the development of Zakouma National Park and Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve.
