Chad

Republic of Chad

French, Arabic Central African CFA (XAF) Mixed: French civil law, customary law, Islamic law
AU, ECCAS, CEMAC, AfCFTA, OIC, WTO
Chad is a landlocked, oil-producing economy in Central Africa. Petroleum (produced since 2003 via the Doba Basin and Chad-Cameroon pipeline) is the primary revenue source, though production has declined. Agriculture and livestock employ the majority of the population. The country faces severe climate challenges (Lake Chad has shrunk by 90% since the 1960s) and security threats from regional instability. Chad's strategic location and military role in Sahel security operations give it geopolitical importance. Business operations are challenging due to isolation, limited infrastructure, and governance concerns.

Snapshot

Population~19.0 MWorld Bank WDI
GDP (current USD)$21.6 BIMF WEO
GDP per Capita$690IMF WEO
GDP Growth3.50%IMF WEO
Inflation (y/y)~4.00%Central Bank / IMF
Policy Rate (BEAC TIAO rate)5.00%Central Bank
Internet Use~16.00%World Bank WDI
Electrification~11.00%World Bank WDI
CPI Score (Rank)20.0/100 (#162)Transparency Intl
HDI (Rank)0.394 (#190)UNDP HDR

Focus Sectors

Oil & Gas
Cotton
Agriculture (sorghum
millet)
Livestock
Gum Arabic
Construction
Telecoms

Regulations & Taxes

Corporate Income Tax35% standard (oil: 40%)
VAT / Sales Tax18% standard
Data Notes: Population, GDP, and GDP per capita are latest IMF WEO / World Bank estimates. Inflation is year-over-year. Trade data from UN Comtrade/OEC (2023). Tax rates from PwC/KPMG country guides. CPI from Transparency International. HDI from UNDP Human Development Report.
Narrative last updated: April 8, 2026.