AfDB Backs Chad’s Push for Universal Sanitation at National Forum

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has pledged renewed support for Chad’s ambitious goal of achieving universal access to sanitation services, during the country’s inaugural National Sanitation Forum held in N’Djamena from 2 to 4 September.

The forum, organised by Chad’s Ministry of Water and Energy under the patronage of Prime Minister Allamaye Halina, was themed “Issues, Challenges and Prospects for Sanitation in Chad.” It marked a historic moment for the country as government leaders, municipalities, international experts, youth organisations, researchers, and community representatives came together to shape a national roadmap for sanitation.

Broad Coalition of Partners

The event drew a wide range of technical and financial partners, including the World Bank, European Union, UNICEF, the British High Commission, Water and Sanitation for Africa, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, LM International (Sweden), the French Development Agency, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Representing AfDB, Claude N’Kodia, the Bank’s Acting Country Manager in Chad, reaffirmed the institution’s determination to provide financial and technical backing.

“Ensuring universal access to safely managed sanitation services is not a utopian dream, but a perfectly achievable goal. The African Development Bank stands ready to support Chad with its financial instruments and technical expertise to turn this ambition into reality,” he said.

A Turning Point for Chad

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Prime Minister, Tom Erdimi, Secretary of State for Higher Education, emphasised the significance of the forum:

“Sanitation is a major determinant of public health, a foundation of human dignity, and a cornerstone of sustainable development. This forum should enable us to draw up a realistic national roadmap and mobilise all our efforts to sustainably improve the living conditions of Chadians.”

Sanitation Challenges in Chad

Chad continues to face some of the world’s most severe sanitation deficits:

• 82% of the population lack adequate sanitation facilities.

• 63% of people still practise open defecation.

• Only 11% of the population has access to safely managed services.

• Poor sanitation costs Chad an estimated $129.5 million annually, draining resources while undermining public health, environmental sustainability, and socioeconomic progress.

Proposed Roadmap and Urgent Measures

Forum participants proposed a package of urgent reforms to reverse these trends, including:

• Strengthening Chad’s legal and regulatory framework for sanitation.

• Establishing a dedicated sanitation budget of at least 0.5% of GDP.

• Enhancing intersectoral coordination across government agencies.

• Launching a national campaign against open defecation.

• Creating a National Sanitation Office to centralise oversight.

• Encouraging municipalities to integrate sanitation into local development plans and modernise waste management systems.

Local leaders stressed that sustainable solutions require community engagement. Djamal Yaya Moussa, Mayor of N’Djamena’s 1st District, described sanitation as “a genuine social contract” between the State, partners, and the population, stressing the need for lasting behavioural change to secure healthier living environments.

AfDB’s Role in Financing Solutions

The AfDB has already invested heavily in Chad’s water and sanitation sector. Major initiatives include:

• Rural Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (PNEAR) – valued at $21.67 million, it has delivered 366 latrines, 570 handwashing facilities, and awareness campaigns that cut waterborne disease prevalence by half.

• Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Programme in Semi-urban and Rural Areas (PAEPA SU MR) – with total AfDB funding of $61.58 million, this programme targets 11 vulnerable provinces. It incorporates principles of the circular economy, women’s empowerment, and climate adaptation, while aiming to reduce inequalities, create jobs, and strengthen resilience.

Looking Ahead

The forum concluded with strong commitments from government, municipalities, and international partners to accelerate progress. Chad’s leaders stressed that success will depend on sustained financing, better coordination, and community ownership of sanitation initiatives.

For the AfDB and its partners, the event was a milestone in building momentum for universal access. By aligning investments with health, education, and climate resilience, Chad aims to make sanitation not just a public health priority but a driver of inclusive, sustainable development.