The government of Chad is investing €175.1 million ($204.7m) in developing a National Data Center and in expanding its fiber optic networks.

In a post to Facebook, the Ministry announced the commencement of the project on December 20.

The investment represents Phase I of the State Connectivity Infrastructure Modernization Project (PMICE), seeking to improve digital infrastructure in the country. The first phase will see the establishment of a National Data Center, the deployment of 1,200km (745 miles) of fiber optic cabling, and the expansion of wireless networks, including GSM, 3G, and 4G sites across the country.

An inauguration ceremony was held in Sarh, Moyen-Shari, last month. During the ceremony, Minister of Telecommunications, Digital Economy, and Digitalization Boukar Michel noted: "Digital must not stop at capitals, it must irrigate territories, connect regions, and unite the nation." He later added: "The sovereignty of a modern state is also measured by its ability to master its digital infrastructures."

Michel added that under the current leadership of Chad, fiber optic networks have become a national security issue, as well as a "tool of modern governance and a lever for territorial justice."

Details on the data center, such as its size and location, have not been shared.

The PMICE project was originally thought to cost $180 million and was financed by Eximbank (export-import bank - origin country unknown), according to a 2023 document from the World Bank detailing wider digital transformation plans for the country. Other projects referenced included the establishment of an Internet Exchange Point, and the Trans-Saharan Corridor Project, being funded by the EU.

Chad saw its first data center developed in 2016. At a cost of then $6 million, the 374 sqm (4,025 sq ft) facility was built in Sweden by Flexenclosure and shipped to Chad’s capital, N’Djamena. It is designed to support an IT power load of 400kW.