AGP Executive Report

Investment Ties: Chad and France are working to shift relations beyond security, with two Chadian ministers attending a Paris business forum that drew 250 companies interested in investing in Chad. Both sides describe the diplomatic reset as positive, opening the way for broader economic cooperation.

Sahel Diplomacy & Trade: France and Chad are quietly resetting ties after the 2024 defense split, shifting from a heavy military footprint to business-led cooperation and a more discreet security partnership, with Chadian ministers in Paris for a forum bringing together 250 companies to invest and “demilitarize” the relationship. Investment Push: The renewed engagement is framed as a bid to diversify economic links and show President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno that France is serious about development, with both sides saying consultations are regular and improving. U.S. Foreign Service Appointments: In Washington, U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair Jim Risch opened a nominations hearing that includes William Flens as ambassador to the Republic of Chad, signaling continued diplomatic focus on Chad in the coming term.

Chad–France Reset: After N’Djamena ended its defense pact with Paris in late 2024 and France withdrew troops, both sides are now rebuilding ties through business forums and diplomacy, with a “demilitarize and diversify” message as French and Chadian officials court investment in sectors beyond security. Diplomatic Appointments: In Washington, U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair Jim Risch opened a nominations hearing that includes William Flens as ambassador to Chad, signaling continued focus on Chad in U.S. foreign policy. Regional Security Industry Watch: ADEX-2026 and Securex Caspian in Baku highlighted how defense and internal security procurement keeps shaping regional industry agendas, a reminder for Chad’s own security-linked economic planning.

Chad–France Reset: After the 2024 defense pact rupture and the pullout of French forces, both sides are rebuilding ties through business forums and a more discreet security posture, with two Chadian ministers in Paris for talks aimed at “demilitarizing” and diversifying the relationship. Diplomacy & Investment Push: The Paris business event brings together about 250 companies seeking to invest in Chad, as officials say consultations are now regular and focused on economic cooperation rather than military presence. U.S. Diplomatic Appointments: In Washington, U.S. Senator Jim Risch opened a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing that includes William Flens nominated as U.S. ambassador to Chad, signaling continued attention to Chad in U.S. regional diplomacy. Regional Security Trade Shows (Context): Azerbaijan’s ADEX-2026 and Securex Caspian exhibitions highlight ongoing defense and internal security industry activity across the region, a reminder of the broader market backdrop for security-linked procurement.

Energy & Power Deals: Qair announced the first disbursement of a €37.9m package to build hybrid solar plants with battery storage in Chad (Gassi and Lamadji), totaling 30 MWp and 8 MWh, under a framework with the Republic of Chad and a 20-year power purchase agreement with Tchadelec; funding includes loans from the AfDB and Proparco, grants via SEFA, and additional support from Proparco/AFD, backed by an €8m partial risk guarantee to strengthen payment security. Cross-Border Business & Security Reset: France and Chad are rebuilding ties after the 2024 defense pact rupture, shifting from military presence to business and a more discreet security partnership; two Chadian ministers met in Paris for a forum bringing 250 companies to invest, with the stated goal to “demilitarize” and diversify relations. Diplomatic Appointments: The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced nominations including William Flens as ambassador to the Republic of Chad, signaling continued attention to Chad in U.S. diplomatic staffing. Regional Trade/Industry Signals: Azerbaijan’s ADEX 2026 and Securex Caspian exhibitions opened in Baku, underscoring ongoing defense and internal security industry activity that can shape regional procurement and partnerships.

France–Chad Reset: After the 2024 defense pact rupture and French troop exit, both sides are rebuilding ties through business forums and a more discreet security partnership, with ministers in Paris pushing a “demilitarize and diversify” agenda. Diplomatic Appointments: The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced nominations including William Flens as ambassador to Chad, signaling continued focus on Chad in Washington’s regional diplomacy. Energy Investment: Qair announced the first €37.9m disbursement for hybrid solar-plus-battery plants in Gassi and Lamadji (30 MWp/8 MWh), backed by AfDB, Proparco, SEFA, and guarantees tied to Tchadelec’s 20-year power purchase agreement. Cross-Border Oil Arbitration: Savannah Midstream Investment is seeking over $397m (CFAF 228.6bn) in ICC arbitration linked to Cotco, with Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH) and the Republic of Chad among respondents, while counterclaims are also in play.

Energy Investment: Qair has started disbursing a €37.9 million financing package for hybrid solar plants with battery storage in Chad (30 MWp and 8 MWh) at Gassi and Lamadji, backed by the AfDB and Proparco loans plus SEFA reimbursable grants, with a €8 million partial risk guarantee supporting payment security under a 20-year PPA with Tchadelec. Cross-Border Finance & Arbitration: Savannah Midstream Investment Limited is pursuing more than $397 million (about CFAF 228.6bn) in ICC arbitration tied to Cotco, naming SNH and the Republic of Chad among respondents, with the case seated in Paris under ICC rules. Diplomacy & Business Reset: After the 2024 defense pact rupture, Chad and France are reportedly rebuilding ties through business and a more discreet security partnership, with Chadian ministers in Paris for a forum aimed at “demilitarizing” and diversifying the relationship. International Appointments: U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair Jim Risch opened a nominations hearing that includes William Flens as ambassador to the Republic of Chad.

Energy Investment: Qair announced the first disbursement of a €37.9 million financing package to build hybrid solar plants with battery storage in Gassi and Lamadji, Chad (30 MWp and 8 MWh), backed by the AfDB and Proparco loans plus SEFA grants, with a €8 million partial risk guarantee supporting payment flows under a 20-year PPA with Tchadelec. Trade & Business Diplomacy: France and Chad are quietly resetting ties after the 2024 defense pact rupture, shifting from a military footprint to business and a more discreet security partnership, with Chadian ministers in Paris for a forum bringing together 250 companies to “demilitarize” and diversify cooperation. Arbitration & Energy Infrastructure Finance: Savannah Midstream Investment Limited is seeking about $397 million (CFAF 228.6bn) in ICC arbitration in Paris tied to its rights in Cameroon’s Cotco, with Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH) and the Republic of Chad listed among respondents, while the case also includes interest and costs.

Energy Investment: Qair has released the first disbursement of a €37.9 million financing package to build hybrid solar plants with battery storage in Chad (30 MWp and 8 MWh) at Gassi and Lamadji, backed by the AfDB and Proparco loans, SEFA grants, and additional support from Proparco/AFD, with a €8 million partial risk guarantee to support Tchadelec payments under a 20-year power purchase agreement. Trade & Dispute Risk: Savannah Midstream Investment Limited is pursuing more than $397 million (about CFAF 228.6bn) in ICC arbitration in Paris tied to its rights in Cameroon’s Cotco, naming Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures and the Republic of Chad among respondents, with the claim including roughly $330m principal plus interest and costs. Diplomacy & Security Repositioning: France and Chad are reportedly rebuilding ties after the 2024 defense pact rupture, shifting from military presence toward business and a more discreet security partnership, with Chadian ministers in Paris for an investment forum aimed at “demilitarizing” and diversifying the relationship. Foreign Service Appointments: The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee held nomination opening remarks that include William Flens as ambassador to the Republic of Chad, signaling continued diplomatic staffing focus on Chad.

Energy Investment: Qair has released the first disbursement of a €37.9 million financing package for Chad’s hybrid solar plants with battery storage in Gassi and Lamadji (30 MWp, 8 MWh), backed by the AfDB and Proparco loans, SEFA grants, and additional support from Proparco/AFD, with a €8 million partial risk guarantee to strengthen payment security under a 20-year PPA with Tchadelec. Cross-Border Finance & Trade Risk: Savannah Midstream Investment Limited is pursuing more than $397 million (about CFAF 228.6bn) in ICC arbitration in Paris tied to its rights in Cameroon’s Cotco, naming Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH) and the Republic of Chad among the respondents, with the claim including principal plus interest and costs. Diplomacy & Business Ties: After the 2024 defense pact rupture, Chad and France are reportedly rebuilding relations through business forums and a more discreet security partnership, with Chadian ministers in Paris for an investment-focused event aimed at “demilitarizing” and diversifying ties. Foreign Service Appointments: The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee held nomination opening remarks that include William Flens as ambassador to the Republic of Chad, signaling continued attention to Chad in U.S. diplomatic staffing.

Energy Investment: Qair has started disbursing a €37.9 million financing package for 30 MWp hybrid solar plants with battery storage in Gassi and Lamadji, Chad, backed by the AfDB, Proparco, SEFA, and a €8 million partial risk guarantee to support Tchadelec payments under a 20-year power purchase agreement. Cross-Border Finance & Trade Risk: Savannah Midstream Investment Limited is pursuing more than $397 million (about CFAF 228.6bn) in ICC arbitration in Paris tied to its rights in Cameroon Oil Transportation Company (COTCO), with Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH) and the Republic of Chad listed among respondents. Diplomacy & Business Ties: France and Chad are reportedly rebuilding relations after the 2024 defense pact rupture, shifting toward business and a more discreet security partnership, with Chadian ministers in Paris for a forum aimed at “demilitarizing” and diversifying economic cooperation.

Energy Investment: Qair has released the first disbursement of a €37.9 million package to build 30 MWp hybrid solar plants with battery storage in Gassi and Lamadji, Chad, under a 20-year power purchase agreement with Tchadelec; funding comes from the AfDB and Proparco, with SEFA grants and additional support, plus a €8 million partial risk guarantee to back payment flows. Cross-Border Finance & Arbitration: Savannah Midstream Investment Limited is pursuing more than $397 million (about CFAF 228.6bn) in ICC arbitration in Paris tied to its rights in Cameroon’s Cotco, with Chad and SNH named among respondents—an important signal for how regional oil and transport disputes can spill into Chad’s business risk landscape. Diplomacy for Trade: France and Chad are reportedly rebuilding ties after the 2024 defense pact rupture, shifting toward business and a more discreet security partnership; a Paris business forum bringing together 250 companies is framed as a push to “demilitarize” and diversify the relationship.

France–Chad Reset: Nearly two years after Paris was pushed out of Chad’s defense role, both sides are rebuilding ties through business forums and a more discreet security partnership, with Chadian ministers in Paris pitching investment and “demilitarizing” the relationship. Energy Finance: Qair announced the first disbursement of a €37.9m package to build 30 MWp hybrid solar plants with battery storage in Gassi and Lamadji, backed by AfDB, Proparco, SEFA grants, and a partial risk guarantee supporting Tchadelec payments. Cross-Border Arbitration: Savannah Midstream Investment is seeking about $397m (CFAF 228.6bn) in ICC arbitration tied to Cotco rights, naming SNH and the Republic of Chad among respondents, with the case seated in Paris. Telecom Capital Markets: Airtel Africa is considering listing Airtel Money on the London Stock Exchange, potentially offering minority shareholders an exit while using the unit’s strong balance sheet to fund growth. Diplomatic Appointments: U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair Jim Risch opened hearings for ambassadorial nominees, including William Flens to Chad.

France–Chad Reset: After the 2024 defense pact rupture, Paris and N’Djamena are rebuilding ties through business forums and a more discreet security approach, with Chadian ministers in Paris pushing to “demilitarize” and diversify cooperation. Diplomatic Appointments: In Washington, U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair Jim Risch advanced ambassadorial nominations including William Flens to Chad, signaling continued focus on Chad in U.S. foreign policy. Renewable Power Finance: Qair announced the first disbursement of a €37.9m package to build 30 MWp hybrid solar plants with battery storage in Gassi and Lamadji, backed by AfDB, Proparco, SEFA, and guarantees involving Coris Bank and Tchadelec under a 20-year power purchase deal. Energy Arbitration Watch: Savannah Midstream Investment is seeking about CFAF 228.6bn (over $397m) in ICC arbitration tied to Cotco, naming SNH and the Republic of Chad among respondents, with the case seated in Paris. Investment Outlook: A Swiss–Nigeria–Chad/ECOWAS discussion highlights Switzerland’s long-term investment stance and regional cooperation themes, including trade, migration, and security. Telecom Capital Markets: Airtel Africa is considering listing Airtel Money on the London Stock Exchange, potentially offering liquidity for existing shareholders—an angle that matters for Chad’s mobile money ecosystem.

Renewable Energy Finance: Qair has started disbursing a €37.9 million package to build 30 MWp hybrid solar plants with 8 MWh battery storage in Gassi and Lamadji, Chad, backed by AfDB and Proparco loans plus SEFA grants, with a €8 million partial risk guarantee supporting Tchadelec payment flows. Cross-Border Oil Arbitration: Savannah Midstream Investment is seeking about CFAF 228.6 billion (over $397m) in ICC arbitration in Paris tied to its rights involving Cameroon’s Cotco, with Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH) and the Republic of Chad named among respondents. Mobile Money Capital Markets: Airtel Africa is considering a London listing for Airtel Money via a secondary offer for sale, with IFC as a cornerstone investor and an exit option for some existing shareholders. Diplomacy & Investment Outlook: Switzerland’s ambassador to Nigeria, Niger and Chad highlights ongoing Swiss investment ties and regional security cooperation, pointing to long-term opportunity across the wider West Africa and Sahel region.

Energy Finance: Qair has started disbursing a €37.9 million package to build 30 MWp hybrid solar plants with 8 MWh battery storage in Gassi and Lamadji, Chad, backed by AfDB and Proparco loans (€15.2m each), SEFA grants (€6m), and additional support (€1.5m), plus an €8m partial risk guarantee from the African Development Fund and Green Climate Fund to strengthen Tchadelec payment coverage. Dispute & Trade Risk: Savannah Midstream Investment is pursuing about $397m (CFAF 228.6bn) in ICC arbitration in Paris over its rights tied to Cameroon’s Cotco, with Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH) and the Republic of Chad named among five respondents. Mobile Money & Capital Markets: Airtel Africa is considering a London listing for Airtel Money via a secondary offer for sale, with IFC as a cornerstone investor and minority shareholders seeking liquidity rather than new capital injection. Diplomacy & Investment Outlook: A Swiss envoy highlights long-term Nigeria investment ties and regional cooperation that also covers the Republic of Chad, with attention to trade, migration, and security.