China’s gift of 1770 tons of rice strengthens Chad’s food security

The Republic of Chad has received a significant boost in its fight against food insecurity with the arrival of 1,770 tons of rice donated by the People’s Republic of China. This generous gesture was celebrated during an official handover ceremony held on June 16, 2026, at N’Djamena’s Radisson Blu hotel, chaired by Minister of Social Action Zara Mahamat Issa.

A partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared challenges

Minister Issa emphasized that this donation symbolizes more than just material support—it reflects the deep friendship and enduring solidarity between Chad and China. Drawing from a Chinese proverb, she noted, “In times of hardship, a single grain of rice is worth its weight in gold.” The aid will directly benefit vulnerable groups, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and families grappling with economic and environmental pressures.

Ahmat Mahamat Kosseï, Director-General of Chad’s National Office for Food Security (ONASA), expressed deep appreciation for the timely assistance, which will complement government efforts led by President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno to combat food shortages. He confirmed that ONASA is committed to ensuring the transparent, efficient, and equitable distribution of the rice, building on a history of successful collaborations with Chinese partners—including prior donations of 5,000 tons in 2014 and 2017, 5,966 tons in 2019, and additional wheat and rice contributions in 2022 and 2025.

China’s long-term commitment to Chad’s agricultural resilience

China’s Ambassador to Chad, Wang Xining, highlighted the broader context of regional instability and climate-related adversities affecting Chad. He underscored that Beijing’s assistance extends beyond immediate relief, with an annual commitment of nearly 2 billion CFA francs in cereal aid. Chinese businesses and expatriate communities are also actively engaged in local social responsibility initiatives, from equipment donations to community development projects.

Ambassador Wang acknowledged that while material aid addresses urgent needs, sustainable solutions require long-term strategies. “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime,” he remarked, pointing to ongoing agricultural cooperation between the two nations. Chinese technical missions are already working alongside Chadian farmers to introduce high-yield crop varieties and modern farming technologies.

The ambassador praised Chad’s agricultural potential, citing abundant water resources, favorable climate, fertile land, and a hardworking population. He noted that 2026 marks a pivotal year for aligning their respective national development plans, coinciding with China’s announcement of zero tariffs on imports from African countries with diplomatic ties—a move set to further strengthen economic ties.

Building a sustainable future together

Following the ceremony, officials toured the Chagoua FDAR warehouse in N’Djamena’s 7th arrondissement, where the rice shipment will be stored before distribution. This donation, combined with ongoing agricultural partnerships, reinforces Chad’s path toward greater food self-sufficiency and resilience in the face of evolving challenges.