The Chadian government has signed a protocol agreement with Gemin Investment Company Limited, a Tanzanian firm specializing in electrical engineering, to accelerate electrification in provinces outside the capital, N'Djamena. The project aims to provide a minimum of 1 MW of production and 2 MWh of battery storage in each locality. A larger-scale project is planned for Abeche, the country's second-largest city, with a 50 MW solar hybrid power plant and 100 MWh of storage.
The agreement, signed on September 21, 2026, by Minister of Water and Energy Passale Kanabe Marcelin and Gemin's Director-General Imani Dominick Alimanka, is a principle agreement, with details on cost, timeline, financing, and electricity injection into the grid yet to be determined. The project is part of Chad's efforts to reduce its significant energy access gap, estimated at around 11% of the population by the Chadian Electricity Regulatory Authority.
Chad has been working to improve its energy sector, particularly through solar power. In May 2025, the Dinio power plant in N'Djamena was inaugurated, providing 30 MW of electricity at an investment of over 24 billion CFA francs. Additionally, three hybrid power plants were launched in February 2026 in Biltine, Bol, and Bongor, with support from the African Development Bank, combining solar, battery, and thermal backup systems.
The government's strategy with Gemin aims to reduce dependence on thermal groups and stabilize supply through storage. This aligns with Chad's National Development Plan 2024-2028, "Tchad Connexion 2030," which allocates around $1.1 billion for the energy sector. The goal is to achieve national access of nearly 60%, up from 11%, and up to 90% in provincial capitals.
The project has the potential to significantly improve energy access in Chad's provinces. However, the timeline for implementation and the exact investment required remain unclear. The government and Gemin will need to finalize details on financing, construction schedules, and electricity distribution to ensure the project's success.
Chad's energy sector has long been underdeveloped, with a significant gap in access to electricity. The partnership with Gemin Investment Company is a step towards addressing this issue. The project will be closely watched by stakeholders, including the African Development Bank, which has already provided support for energy projects in Chad.
The agreement with Gemin is a positive development for Chad's energy sector, but challenges remain. The country's ability to implement the project and achieve its energy goals will depend on various factors, including financing, technical expertise, and infrastructure development. Key points include:
Key points
- The project aims to provide 1 MW of production and 2 MWh of battery storage in each locality.
- A 50 MW solar hybrid power plant and 100 MWh of storage are planned for Abeche.
- The project is part of Chad's National Development Plan 2024-2028, "Tchad Connexion 2030".
