Presentation:

Chad is a landlocked country located in Central Africa. It shares borders with Sudan to the east, Libya to the north, Niger, Nigeria, and Cameroon to the west, and the Central African Republic to the south. Here are some key points about Chad:
1.    Geography: The terrain of Chad consists of a shallow basin that gradually rises from the Lake Chad area in the west. The country is rimmed by mountains to the north, east, and south. Lake Chad, situated in the center of the western frontier, is a remnant of a much larger lake that once covered the region. The capital city is N’Djamena.

2.    Population Density: Despite being the fifth largest country on the African continent, Chad has a relatively low population density of about 20 persons per square mile (8 persons per square kilometer). Most of the population relies on agriculture, with cotton cultivation in the south and cattle raising in the central region.

3.    Economy: Chad joined the ranks of oil-producing countries in 2003, which raised hopes for improved economic conditions. However, the country faces challenges related to its arid climate and limited natural resources.

4.    Frontiers: Chad is bounded by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, and Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger to the west. The country’s borders, inherited from the colonial era, do not always align with natural or ethnic boundaries.
Chad economy

1.    Dependence on Oil: Once an agrarian economy, Chad transitioned to an oil-producing nation in 2003. Since then, its economy has become heavily reliant on oil exports. However, this dependence poses risks due to fluctuations in global oil prices.

2.    Geographic Challenges: Chad’s geographic remoteness, lack of infrastructure, and political instability hinder economic development. The country’s landlocked status exacerbates these challenges, limiting access to international markets.

3.    Agriculture: Approximately 85% of the population depends on agriculture, including subsistence farming, herding, and fishing. Livestock production plays a significant role in rural livelihoods.

4.    Poverty and Vulnerability: Chad is one of the poorest countries globally, with a large portion of its population living below the poverty line. Extreme poverty remains a pressing issue, affecting over a third of the population.

5.    Human Capital Index: Chad’s score on the World Bank’s Human Capital Index is low, indicating challenges in education and health services. Children often spend limited years in school, and maternal mortality rates remain high.

6.    Oil Fields and Delayed Development: Chad’s oil fields near Doba were initially scheduled for completion in 2000 but faced delays until 2003. ExxonMobil now operates these fields. Oil revenues significantly impact the country’s economic prospects.

 
Commercial agreements:

1.    Bilateral and Multilateral Trade Agreements:

• Chad is a member of the Central African Monetary and Economic Community (CEMAC), formerly known as the Customs and Economic Union of Central Africa (UDEAC).
• However, specific bilateral trade or investment agreements between the United States and Chad do not currently exist12.

2.    African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA):

• Chad is eligible for benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
• AGOA provides trade preferences to eligible African countries, including duty-free entry for certain goods into the U.S. market.
• While there are no direct bilateral agreements, AGOA serves as an avenue for Chad to enhance its trade relations with the United States.

In summary, while Chad lacks specific bilateral agreements with the U.S., its participation in AGOA offers opportunities for trade and economic growth.