On September 29, 2026, the NGO Médias pour le Développement (MEDEV) and the Swiss Cooperation Delegation (DDC) signed a partnership agreement to establish the Higher Institute of Journalism and Communication of Chad (ISJCT). This agreement was signed in a context marked by significant changes in Chad's media landscape, including the growth of television and radio channels, online media, and social networks.
According to Dr. Peter Bieler, Director of Swiss Cooperation and Head of the Development and Cooperation Direction (DDC) in Chad, training journalists is crucial for the country's democratic functioning. A professional media sector is essential for citizens to access reliable and quality information, understand relevant issues, and participate in governance.
The Swiss Cooperation aims to contribute to the establishment of a Chadian institution capable of training professionals for tomorrow's media through its support for the creation of ISJCT. The Union of Chadian Journalists (UJT) also sees the creation of this institute as a response to the need for competency reinforcement in the media sector.
Abbas Mahamoud Tahir, president of UJT, emphasized that Chad needs well-trained journalists to consolidate democracy, promote peace, prevent conflicts, and strengthen social cohesion. He also stressed the need for professionals who can defend citizens' right to reliable, pluralistic, and accessible information.
Mahamat Mamadou Djimtebaye, MEDEV coordinator, noted that Chad's media landscape is rapidly evolving, requiring adaptation in professional training. He highlighted the growth of media outlets, the rise of online media and social networks, and the need for new responsibilities in the face of disinformation.
The project to create ISJCT dates back to 2024, when MEDEV presented it to the European Union, which allowed the organization to submit it to the European team partners. This led to exchanges with the Swiss Cooperation in Chad, resulting in the signature of the partnership agreement.
The future institute aims to contribute to developing competencies in journalism and communication and accompany the evolutions of Chad's media sector. The Minister of Communication, Gassim Chérif Mahamat, praised this initiative, stating that the creation of ISJCT will help train a new generation of journalists and communication professionals capable of meeting the requirements of the Chadian state.
Key points
- The partnership agreement between MEDEV and Swiss Cooperation aims to establish the Higher Institute of Journalism and Communication of Chad.
- The institute's creation is a response to the need for well-trained journalists in Chad's rapidly evolving media landscape.
- The project was initially presented to the European Union in 2024 and will be officially launched on October 3, 2026.
