Chad expands domestic wheat production to reduce import dependence

Chad is stepping up efforts to expand domestic wheat production as the government seeks to reduce the country’s reliance on imports and strengthen food security. A key milestone was the launch of the National Centre of Specialization on Wheat in March 2026, which is expected to become the foundation for modern seed production and wheat research.

The new center was officially inaugurated during the Third Regional Wheat Conference in N’Djamena. It will focus on developing improved wheat varieties, producing high-quality seed, and training researchers to support the expansion of wheat production not only in Chad but also across West and Central Africa.

International financial and technical partners have also pledged support for a regional research project involving Chad, Nigeria, and Senegal. The initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of modern wheat production technologies and improve crop yields across the region.

The government also hopes to revive Chad’s wheat industry, which previously supplied the Grand Moulin du Tchad flour mill through production around Lake Chad. However, wheat output remains limited, with official data showing production of only about 3,000 tonnes in 2025, well below historical levels.

Despite the new investments, the sector continues to face major challenges. High costs for imported fertilizers, crop protection products, and irrigation, together with lower yields than those achieved by leading global producers, continue to make locally grown wheat less competitive than imported grain. As a result, the expansion of domestic wheat production will require long-term government support and continued international investment.

Tags: wheat