Chad statistics — population, economy, trade and telecom

As the African Union advances its Agenda 2063 benchmarks and international development partners recalibrate aid and investment strategies, granular country-level data has never been more consequential. Chad sits at the intersection of the Sahel security crisis, landlocked development challenges, and nascent hydrocarbon wealth — making its statistics a critical reference point for policymakers, investors, and humanitarian actors operating across Central and West Africa in 2026.

Population and Demographics

Chad’s population is estimated at approximately 19 to 20 million people as of 2025, with UN projections placing the country among the fastest-growing populations on the continent. The annual population growth rate sits at roughly 3.0 to 3.2 percent, reflecting persistently high fertility rates that the World Bank estimates at around 5.5 to 6 births per woman. The median age is exceptionally low — approximately 16 to 17 years — underscoring the profound youth bulge that shapes both the country’s labour market potential and its demand for education, healthcare, and social services. Urbanisation remains relatively limited by regional standards, with approximately 24 to 27 percent of the population living in urban areas, though N’Djamena continues to absorb significant rural-to-urban migration. Chad also hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Africa, with UNHCR figures from 2024 indicating over one million registered refugees, primarily from Sudan and the Central African Republic, placing additional pressure on demographic and fiscal planning.

Economic Indicators

Chad’s economy remains heavily dependent on oil revenues and is highly vulnerable to commodity price cycles. World Bank estimates put nominal GDP at roughly 12 to 13 billion USD for 2024, with GDP per capita hovering at approximately 650 to 750 USD — positioning Chad among the lower-income economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Real GDP growth was estimated at around 3 to 4 percent for 2024, supported by a partial recovery in oil output and modest agricultural performance, though IMF assessments have flagged significant downside risks linked to regional insecurity and debt servicing pressures. Inflation has been a persistent concern, with consumer price inflation estimated at approximately 5 to 7 percent in 2024, partly driven by food supply disruptions and imported cost pressures. Chad is a member of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and uses the CFA franc (XAF), which is pegged to the euro, providing monetary stability but limiting independent monetary policy. Public debt-to-GDP is a significant concern; IMF programme documentation from 2024 suggests the ratio remains elevated, broadly in the range of 45 to 55 percent of GDP, with external debt restructuring discussions ongoing under the G20 Common Framework.

Trade and External Accounts

Crude oil dominates Chad’s export profile, accounting for the substantial majority of merchandise export revenues — industry reports suggest oil consistently represents over 80 percent of total exports by value. Other exports include livestock, gum arabic, and cotton, which remain vital for rural livelihoods even if their share of formal export earnings is modest. On the import side, Chad relies heavily on refined petroleum products, machinery, foodstuffs, and manufactured goods. China is a leading trading partner, both as a destination for crude oil and as a source of infrastructure financing and imports. France, the United States, and neighbouring Cameroon — through which Chad’s oil pipeline runs to the port of Kribi — are also significant partners. The current account deficit has historically been wide, reflecting the import-intensive nature of oil sector operations and limited export diversification; IMF data from 2024 suggests the deficit remains a structural feature of the external accounts, partially offset by oil export receipts in higher-price environments.

Key Sectors

Agriculture employs the majority of Chad’s workforce — roughly 70 to 80 percent of the active population according to World Bank labour data — and contributes approximately 40 to 45 percent of GDP. Key agricultural activities include subsistence farming, pastoralism, and the cultivation of sorghum, millet, groundnuts, and cotton. The sector is acutely vulnerable to climate variability, with the Lake Chad basin experiencing significant ecological degradation that threatens livelihoods across the region. The oil and extractive industry, while contributing a smaller share of employment, is the dominant driver of fiscal revenues and export earnings; the Doba Basin fields, operated in partnership with international majors, remain the core of hydrocarbon production, though output has declined from peak levels and new investment is needed to sustain volumes. The services sector — encompassing trade, transport, government services, and informal commerce — accounts for a growing share of economic activity, roughly 35 to 40 percent of GDP. Tourism is negligible as a formal economic contributor given the security environment. Telecommunications and mobile financial services represent one of the more dynamic growth areas, discussed separately below.

Telecommunications and Digital

Chad’s digital economy remains at an early stage of development, though mobile connectivity has expanded meaningfully over the past decade. ITU and GSMA data from 2024 suggest mobile penetration rates of approximately 45 to 55 percent of the population, with the market dominated by a small number of operators. Airtel Chad and Salam (previously operating under various brand configurations) have been the principal mobile network operators, with market dynamics subject to ongoing regulatory and ownership changes. Internet penetration remains low by continental standards — roughly 10 to 15 percent of the population — constrained by infrastructure gaps, energy access limitations, and affordability barriers. Mobile money adoption is growing, with services linked to major operator platforms providing basic financial access to populations largely excluded from formal banking. The government has articulated digital economy ambitions within its national development frameworks, but progress has been uneven. Fibre connectivity remains concentrated in N’Djamena, and the country’s landlocked geography adds cost and complexity to broadband infrastructure rollout.

Sources and Methodology

This dashboard draws on publicly available data and estimates from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators and Open Data platform, the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook and Article IV consultation reports, the United Nations Population Division, UNHCR operational data, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), GSMA Intelligence, the African Union Commission, and the African Development Bank’s African Economic Outlook series. Where precise figures were unavailable or subject to revision, approximate ranges and qualified language have been used to reflect genuine data uncertainty. Chad’s national statistics office (INSEED) produces periodic surveys and census-derived estimates, though data timeliness and coverage can be limited. All figures should be treated as indicative and verified against primary sources before use in formal research, policy, or investment contexts. Reference period for underlying data is primarily 2023–2025, with projections noted where applicable.

For deeper qualitative and geopolitical context behind these numbers, visit our Chad expert briefing. To benchmark Chad against other African economies, explore our all African country statistics hub. For broader analysis of growth drivers, structural reform, and investment trends across the continent, see our African economy pillar.