A new era for Sahel innovation

In a landmark event held at the National Centre for Development Research (CNRD) in N’Djamena, Chad welcomed the inaugural Drone Café, a platform dedicated to unmanned aerial systems and their applications in civil sectors. Organized by Tech Africa, Tchad FlyingLabs, and WeRobotics, in collaboration with the CNRD, the forum brought together policymakers, researchers, and tech entrepreneurs to assess how drone technology can address pressing challenges in the country.

Themed “Civilian drone opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and environmental management”, the event showcased real-world use cases, including drone-assisted monitoring in national parks, precision agriculture, and conflict prevention between farmers and herders.

A call for national integration

Professor Mahamoud Youssouf Khayal, CNRD Director General, opened the forum by emphasizing that drones are no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day necessity for Chad. “Our vast territory, logistical constraints, and urgent need for geospatial data and rapid crisis response make drone technology an invaluable solution,” he stated.

He outlined three critical areas requiring immediate attention:

• Regulatory framework: Balancing innovation with safety to ensure responsible drone use across sectors.
• Human capital development: Training the next generation of drone operators and technicians to meet growing demand.
• Institutional collaboration: Fostering public-private partnerships to integrate drone solutions into national development strategies.

From research to real-world impact

Mahamat Issa Abakar, Director of Drone Tech Africa, presented findings from drone-based agricultural projects in the Guéra region, particularly in Mongo, Baro, and Tabo. A filmed case study highlighted how women farmers are using drone data to enhance crop resilience, with projections showing potential yield increases of up to 30% through optimized resource management.

Ali Mahamoud, Head of Services at the CNRD, detailed how drone technology is being deployed to monitor wildlife in Zakouma National Park, track migratory corridors, and assess water points—critical tools in mitigating farmer-herder conflicts exacerbated by climate change and shrinking water sources.

Dr. Djimassal, a research specialist, expanded on satellite and drone imagery applications, explaining how high-resolution aerial data is used to map vegetation, water bodies, forests, and pastoral zones across northern Chad. These visuals are crucial for policymakers and researchers in making informed decisions on land use and conservation.

Building a national roadmap

The forum concluded with a panel discussion focused on creating a unified national strategy for drone integration. Participants explored ways to align research with market needs, ensure equitable access to technology, and establish ethical guidelines for deployment.

Professor Khayal closed the event by reaffirming the CNRD’s commitment to positioning Chad as a leader in drone innovation. “Research is not an abstract endeavor. It is shaped by the challenges we face daily, and drones are a prime example of how technology can serve our people and our planet,” he remarked.