Chad recently hosted the groundbreaking first edition of the Café Drone, an event dedicated to exploring the vast potential of civil drone technology. This significant gathering brought together experts to discuss how unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can revolutionize key sectors such as agriculture, livestock management, and environmental conservation within the nation.

The inaugural Café Drone was meticulously organized by Tech Africa, Tchad FlyingLabs, and WeRobotics, in close collaboration with the National Centre for Research and Development (CNRD). Held on June 25, 2026, at the CNRD premises in N’Djamena, the event centered on the compelling theme: «The opportunities linked to civil drones».

Addressing the attendees, Professor Mahamoud Youssouf Khayal, Director General of the CNRD, underscored the historical significance of this assembly. He highlighted that it marked the first instance where national and international stakeholders in aerial technologies converged in N’Djamena, within an institution dedicated to research and development. Professor Khayal emphasized that drones are no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality. He articulated that for Chad, with its expansive territory, complex logistical hurdles, critical need for geospatial data, and demand for rapid crisis response, drones offer uniquely pertinent solutions.

Professor Khayal further outlined several crucial challenges that Chad must address to fully harness the benefits of this advanced technology. These include establishing a robust regulatory framework that balances drone usage safety with fostering innovation, developing comprehensive training programs to equip young people with future-ready skills, and ensuring seamless integration by facilitating dialogue among institutions, private operators, and researchers.

The CNRD Director General extended his gratitude to the collaborating partners—Drone Tech Africa, Tchad FlyingLabs, and WeRobotics—for their pioneering initiative and unwavering commitment. He also acknowledged the invaluable presence of experts who have already transformed drone technologies into practical, operational solutions. Professor Khayal urged all participants to seize this opportunity for learning, forging new partnerships, and laying the groundwork for a comprehensive national roadmap. He concluded by asserting, «Research is not a distant activity. It is here, at the heart of our daily concerns. And drones are a perfect illustration of this.»

Mahamat Issa Abakar, Director of Drone Tech Africa, captivated the audience with a presentation of research findings from Burkina Faso. He also showcased agricultural research conducted in Chad’s Guéra province, specifically in Mongo, Baro, and Tabo. Here, a women’s agricultural project was meticulously filmed by a drone to analyze their farming practices in the face of environmental resilience, with the ambitious goal of increasing agricultural yields by up to 30% through drone utilization.

Ali Mahamoud, a service head at the CNRD, delved into the application of Artificial Intelligence in research and the critical role of drones in preventing conflicts between farmers and herders. He linked these conflicts to pressing issues such as drought, water scarcity, and climate change. Mahamoud highlighted the indispensable value of drones in monitoring wildlife within Zakouma National Park, tracking transhumance corridors, aiding in mineral prospecting and gold exploration, and crucially, gathering vital statistical data.

The third speaker, Dr. Djimassal, a research officer, provided in-depth insights into the use of satellite technology. He explained how satellites capture images from space to visualize diverse landscapes, including vegetation, rivers, light forests, human settlements, shrub and herbaceous savannas, pasture zones, and thickets, particularly in the northern regions. Dr. Djimassal elaborated on interpreting these images to understand various natural resources, lakes, and natural forests.

Following these insightful research presentations, a dynamic panel discussion was convened, allowing participants to engage in further exchange on the broad importance of drone applications across multiple sectors.