The African Development Bank has signed a $44.9 million grant agreement with Chad to asphalt the 49.5-km Kyabé-Mayo road section. The project aims to improve transportation and access, benefiting local economies and resilience, particularly for women and youth. It is part of a broader infrastructural strategy intended to facilitate economic growth and governance in Chad.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has entered into a grant agreement with the government of Chad valued at $44.9 million, aimed at financing the asphalting of the 49.5-kilometer Kyabé-Mayo section of the Kyabé-Singako road, which includes the construction of a 55-meter bridge. The agreement was formalized in N’Djamena on 19 February 2025 by Minister of State for Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, Tahir Hamid Nguilin, along with Claude N’Kodia, the AfDB’s Acting Representative in Chad, and various government officials.
The funding is aligned with the Chadian government’s strategic infrastructure improvement objectives, particularly enhancing economic potential in the Moyen-Chari region. This area is recognized as Chad’s primary agricultural basin and livestock region, which significantly contributes to both domestic and international markets. Minister Nguilin emphasized the significant economic resources available in this region, which includes abundant fish supplies.
The project will enhance connectivity in southern and eastern Chad, bolster resilience among local populations, and improve transportation of goods. Particularly, it aims to facilitate movement between Kyabé and Singako by providing reliable road access, thus enabling more efficient transport of agricultural and livestock products to key consumer markets like Sarh, Moundou, N’Djamena, and Abéché. Improved accessibility to Moyen-Chari from neighboring Sudan is also anticipated.
The agreement further sets the stage for funding from the Islamic Development Bank for the next segment of the 205-kilometer Mayo-Singako-Am Timan road, with an estimated cost of $275.5 million. Claudia N’Kodia highlighted the AfDB’s role as a strategic partner in the Chadian transport sector, stating that this development will lower transport costs and enhance living conditions by improving access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
The Kyabé-Mayo section stands as a crucial component of the larger N’Djamena-Moundou-Sarh-Kyabé-Am Timan-Abéché corridor, marking it as a priority in national infrastructure development efforts. The AfDB’s strategy for Chad emphasizes infrastructure development and promoting governance to bolster economic growth and improve public effectiveness.
In summary, the $44.9 million grant agreement between the African Development Bank and the Chadian government aims to enhance the infrastructure of the Kyabé-Singako road, which is vital for regional connectivity and economic growth. By improving transportation access, particularly in agriculture and livestock sectors, the project seeks to reduce transportation costs and significantly uplift local communities. This agreement reflects the commitment of the AfDB to support Chad’s development goals and overall economic resilience.
Original Source: www.africa.com
