In a collaborative effort, Tech Africa, Tchad FlyingLabs, and WeRobotics joined forces with the Centre National de Recherche pour le Développement (CNRD) to host the very first ‘Café Drone’. This landmark event took place on June 25, 2026, at the CNRD premises in N’Djamena, centered around the compelling theme: « Opportunities linked to civil drones ».

The primary objective of this groundbreaking initiative was to underscore the critical importance and diverse applications of drone technology. Its focus extended across various sectors, particularly emphasizing its transformative potential for agriculture, livestock farming, and the effective management of Chad’s national parks and natural reserves.

Addressing the assembly, Professor Mahamoud Youssouf Khayal, Director General of the CNRD, highlighted the historic nature of the gathering. He noted that it marked the first occasion for national and international stakeholders in unmanned aerial technologies to convene in N’Djamena within a dedicated research and development environment. Professor Khayal emphatically stated that drones are no longer a futuristic concept but a tangible reality of the present. He further elaborated, « For Chad, with its expansive territory, complex logistical challenges, pressing needs for geospatial data, and the imperative for rapid crisis response, drones emerge as a solution of exceptional relevance. »

Professor Khayal also outlined several critical challenges that must be addressed to ensure Chad fully capitalizes on this advanced technology:

• Regulatory Framework: Establishing how to secure drone usage effectively while simultaneously fostering innovation.
• Training and Capacity Building: Developing strategies to educate and equip the youth with the skills necessary for the emerging professions of tomorrow.
• Seamless Integration: Facilitating effective dialogue and collaboration among institutions, private operators, and researchers.

The CNRD’s Director General extended his profound gratitude to the collaborating partners — Drone Tech Africa, Tchad FlyingLabs, and WeRobotics — for their commendable initiative and unwavering commitment. He also acknowledged the invaluable presence of experts who have already translated these technologies into practical, operational solutions. Professor Khayal urged all attendees to seize this unique opportunity for learning, forging new partnerships, and laying the groundwork for a comprehensive national roadmap. He affirmed, « Research is not a distant endeavor. It resides here, at the core of our daily concerns. And drones serve as its perfect illustration. » He also expressed appreciation to the dedicated teams at the Centre National de Recherche pour le Développement for their tireless efforts in organizing the event, as well as to the technical and financial partners who demonstrated faith in this ambitious project.

Mahamat Issa Abakar, Director of Drone Tech Africa, captivated the audience with a presentation showcasing research achievements from Burkina Faso. His projection highlighted innovative studies conducted in the agricultural sector within Chad’s Guéra province, specifically in Mongo, Baro, and Tabo. Here, a women’s agricultural project was meticulously documented by drone to analyze their farming practices in the face of resilience challenges. A key objective of this research was to explore how drone utilization could potentially boost agricultural yields by an impressive 30%.

Ali Mahamoud, a department head at the CNRD, elaborated on the theme of artificial intelligence (AI) in research, particularly emphasizing the profound utility of drones in mitigating conflicts between farmers and herders. These conflicts are often exacerbated by drought, scarcity of water sources, and climate change impacts. He further underscored the vital role of drones in wildlife surveillance, notably within Zakouma National Park, as well as in monitoring transhumance corridors, conducting mineral prospecting, and aiding in gold exploration. Mahamoud stressed the critical importance of drones for acquiring robust statistical data across these diverse applications.

Dr. Djimassal, a research officer and the third speaker, provided insightful clarifications on the application of satellite technology. He detailed how satellites capture images from space to visualize crucial geographical features such as vegetation cover, rivers, open forests, human settlements, shrub and herbaceous savannas, grazing areas, and thickets, with a particular focus on Chad’s northern regions. Dr. Djimassal offered a comprehensive explanation of interpreting these images, showcasing various natural resources, lakes, and indigenous forests.

Following these illuminating research presentations, a dynamic panel discussion was convened. Participants engaged in an extensive exchange on the overarching theme of the critical importance and widespread utility of drones across a multitude of sectors.