The Conseil national des importateurs, investisseurs, industriels tchadiens et exportateurs (Conite) in Chad has announced plans to revive its 'Les Magasins Bénis' project, aimed at stabilizing food prices and ensuring food security in the country. This move comes in response to President Mahamat Idriss Déby's call for a national effort to address the high cost of living and potential food shortages. The Conite's secretary-general, Mahamat Nour Abakar Malloumi, presented the initiative at a press conference on September 21, 2026.
The 'Les Magasins Bénis' project, which has been in development for 15 years, aims to provide affordable food products to Chadians. The project involves several key components, including the stabilization of prices for essential food items, such as rice, maize, and sugar. The Conite plans to achieve this through a strict price ceiling, ensuring that prices remain affordable for consumers. Additionally, the project involves exempting certain food items from customs duties, which will be passed on to consumers in the form of lower prices.
The Conite also plans to establish a network of over 1,000 commercial outlets and distribution points across the country, including in rural areas affected by drought. This will ensure that affordable food products are accessible to all Chadians, regardless of their location or financial situation. The project also involves a commitment from the Conite's members to halt exports of food products, in line with government instructions.
To further support the initiative, the Conite is introducing a new pricing system, known as 'Le Prix Maréchal', which will offer preferential prices on staple products for a specified period. This measure aims to guarantee a stable and affordable supply of essential food items, and to demonstrate the solidarity between the business community and the Chadian people.
According to the Conite, all logistical arrangements, including transportation and distribution networks, are in place to support the implementation of the 'Les Magasins Bénis' project. The organization is committed to working closely with the government to finalize a protocol agreement, which will enable the project to move forward.
The Conite's initiative has been welcomed by the government, which has been working to address the high cost of living and food insecurity in Chad. The country's economy has faced significant challenges in recent years, including a decline in agricultural production due to drought and other factors.
The revival of the 'Les Magasins Bénis' project is seen as a key step towards achieving food security and stability in Chad. The Conite's efforts to provide affordable food products and stabilize prices will help to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations and support the country's economic recovery.
Key points
- The Conite's 'Les Magasins Bénis' project aims to stabilize food prices and ensure food security in Chad.
- The project involves a network of commercial outlets and distribution points across the country.
- The initiative includes a new pricing system, 'Le Prix Maréchal', which offers preferential prices on staple products.
