Chad explores the potential of civil drones at inaugural Café Drone

A significant milestone for technological innovation was reached in N’Djamena as the first edition of Café Drone was launched. This event, hosted at the National Research Center for Development (CNRD), brought together key players including Tech Africa, Chad FlyingLabs, and WeRobotics to examine the expanding role of civil unmanned aerial vehicles under the theme: “The opportunities linked to civil drones.”

The primary goal of this gathering is to showcase how drone technology can revolutionize critical sectors such as agriculture, livestock management, and the preservation of natural reserves throughout Chad. During the opening session, the Director General of the CNRD, Pr. Mahamoud Youssouf Khayal, emphasized that these tools are no longer futuristic concepts but essential modern assets. He noted that Chad’s immense geography and logistical hurdles make drones a vital solution for gathering geospatial data and managing crisis responses.

Addressing the hurdles of drone adoption

While the potential is vast, Pr. Mahamoud Youssouf Khayal identified three pillars that Chad must address to maximize the benefits of this technology:

• Regulatory Framework: Establishing rules that ensure safety while encouraging innovation.
• Education and Training: Equipping the youth with the technical skills required for future careers in this field.
• Institutional Integration: Creating a synergy between government bodies, private enterprises, and the research community.

The director expressed his gratitude to Drone Tech Africa, Chad FlyingLabs, and WeRobotics for their dedication to bringing operational solutions to the country. He encouraged all participants to use this forum to establish a national strategic roadmap, reinforcing that research is deeply connected to solving daily challenges.

Impact on agriculture and conflict resolution

Mahamat Issa Abakar, representing Drone Tech Africa, shared insights from research conducted in Burkina Faso and specific projects in Chad’s Guéra province. In locations such as Mongo, Baro, and Tabo, drones were utilized to monitor women-led agricultural initiatives. The data suggests that implementing drone technology could potentially boost crop yields by as much as 30% through better monitoring and management.

Further exploring the social and environmental benefits, Ali Mahamoud from the CNRD discussed how drones and artificial intelligence can mitigate conflicts between farmers and herders. By monitoring transhumance corridors and water points affected by climate change, drones provide a neutral source of data. Additionally, these tools are being deployed for wildlife surveillance in Zakouma National Park, as well as for gold mining prospecting and general statistical data collection.

The technical discussion also included perspectives from Dr Djimassal, a research officer who compared drone capabilities with satellite imagery. He demonstrated how these technologies allow for the precise visualization of diverse landscapes—including forests, pastures, and river systems—providing a detailed interpretation of natural resources across the northern regions and beyond. The event concluded with a high-level panel discussion focused on the multi-sectoral importance of integrating drones into Chad’s development strategy.