Tech Africa, Tchad FlyingLabs, WeRobotics, and the National Center for Research and Development (CNRD) recently joined forces to host the inaugural Café Drone event. This pioneering gathering took place on June 25, 2026, at the CNRD premises in N’Djamena, under the compelling theme: «The Opportunities Related to Civil Drones.»

The primary objective behind this innovative initiative was to spotlight the critical importance and diverse applications of drone technology across various sectors within Chad, including agriculture, livestock management, and the oversight of national parks and natural reserves.

Professor Mahamoud Youssouf Khayal, the Director General of the CNRD, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the historic nature of the event. He noted that for the first time, national and international stakeholders in unmanned aerial technologies converged in N’Djamena, within an institution dedicated to research and development. Professor Khayal firmly asserted that drones are no longer a futuristic concept but a tangible reality of the present. He further elaborated, «In Chad, our expansive territory, significant logistical hurdles, pressing needs for geospatial data, and the imperative for swift crisis response make drones an exceptionally relevant solution.»

Professor Khayal also outlined several key challenges that must be addressed for Chad to fully harness the benefits of this technology:

• Regulatory Framework: How can drone usage be secured while simultaneously fostering innovation?
• Training: What strategies can be implemented to equip young people with the skills for future drone-related professions?
• Integration: How can synergy be achieved among institutions, private operators, and researchers to maximize the impact of drone technology?

The CNRD Director General extended his gratitude to the collaborating partners – Drone Tech Africa, Tchad FlyingLabs, and WeRobotics – for their dedication and commitment to this initiative. He also acknowledged the invaluable presence of experts who have successfully translated these technologies into operational solutions. He urged all participants to seize this unique opportunity for learning, forging partnerships, and laying the groundwork for a comprehensive national roadmap. «Research is not a distant activity. It is here, at the core of our daily concerns. Drones perfectly illustrate this reality,» he concluded.

Professor Khayal also expressed appreciation for the unwavering commitment of the National Center for Research and Development teams in organizing the event, as well as the technical and financial partners who believed in the project’s vision.

Mahamat Issa Abakar, Director of Drone Tech Africa, shared insights into research advancements made in Burkina Faso through a detailed presentation. He also highlighted 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 understand their resilience-based farming practices. The overarching goal of this research was to identify methods to boost agricultural yields by up to 30% through the strategic deployment of drones.

Ali Mahamoud, a CNRD service chief, delved into the application of Artificial Intelligence in research and underscored the pivotal role of drones in mitigating conflicts between farmers and herders. These conflicts often arise from drought, water scarcity, and climate change. He further emphasized the utility of drones for wildlife monitoring in Zakouma National Park, tracking transhumance corridors, conducting mineral prospecting, and locating gold deposits, stressing their importance in gathering crucial statistical data.

The third speaker, Dr. Djimassal, a research officer, provided comprehensive clarifications on leveraging satellite technology to capture aerial imagery. This allows for detailed visualization of vegetation, rivers, open forests, human settlements, shrub and herbaceous savannas, grazing lands, and thickets, particularly in the northern regions. He meticulously explained the interpretation of images depicting various natural resources, lakes, and indigenous forests.

Following these insightful research presentations, a dynamic panel discussion was convened, fostering an engaging exchange of ideas on the profound significance of drone utilization across diverse fields.