China reinforces Chad’s food security with substantial rice donation

N’Djamena, Chad – June 16, 2026 – Amidst ongoing climate and economic pressures, the People’s Republic of China has once again demonstrated its commitment to Chad, delivering a significant donation of 1,770 tonnes of rice. The official handover ceremony for this vital food aid occurred on June 16, 2026, at the Radisson Blu hotel, presided over by Minister of Social Action, Zara Mahamat Issa.

A steadfast partnership built on solidarity

During the event, Minister Mahamat Issa emphasized that this contribution transcends mere material value. She highlighted it as a powerful testament to the genuine friendship and robust partnership between the two countries, deeply rooted in mutual respect and collaborative support. Evoking the Chinese proverb, “In a calamity, a single grain of rice is worth an ounce of gold,” the Minister underscored the critical importance of this assistance for Chad’s vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and families grappling with various crises.

Ahmat Mahamat Kosseï, Director General of the National Office for Food Security (ONASA), conveyed his profound appreciation for the timely donation, which is set to bring relief to struggling families. He clarified that this aid significantly bolsters the Chadian government’s ongoing initiatives, spearheaded by Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, in the persistent fight against food insecurity across the nation.

ONASA pledges rigorous and fair distribution

As the entity entrusted with managing this substantial stock, ONASA has committed to ensuring its transparent, efficient, and equitable distribution. The Director General recalled that ONASA has been a recurrent beneficiary of Chinese generosity, citing previous donations of 5,000 tonnes in 2014 and 2017, 5,966 tonnes in 2019, and various wheat and rice contributions in 2022 and 2025.

This latest consignment underscores the shared determination of both Chad and China to enhance community resilience against vulnerabilities, thereby fostering social stability and sustainable development within the country. Such consistent Chad food security aid is crucial for long-term progress.

Ambassador Wang Xining of China to Chad observed that Chad has recently borne the full brunt of conflicts in neighboring states. The resulting influx of refugees, coupled with extreme climatic conditions, presents formidable challenges to local food security. He affirmed that the Chinese government and its people stand in deep solidarity with Chad during these trying times.

Ambassador Xining further stated, “This commitment is why we annually provide cereals averaging nearly 2 billion CFA francs in value. Moreover, Chinese enterprises and our expatriate community are actively engaged in corporate social responsibility, offering support to local communities through material donations and various grassroots initiatives.”

He underscored the Chinese government’s understanding that aid alone cannot resolve all issues. “We are fully aware that material assistance addresses only immediate emergencies. As the saying goes, ‘It is better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish’,” Ambassador Xining remarked. In line with this philosophy, China dispatches agricultural technical missions to work alongside Chadian experts, experimenting with high-yield crops and conducting training sessions on modern agricultural technologies.

According to Ambassador Wang Xining, Chad possesses exceptional advantages, including abundant water resources, ample sunshine, fertile lands, and, crucially, a diligent and pragmatic populace. The nation’s potential for agricultural development is truly immense.

This year signifies a pivotal moment, characterized by the synergy between the respective national development plans of both countries. Furthermore, Ambassador Xining explained, the Chinese government has declared the implementation of zero customs tariffs for all African nations maintaining diplomatic ties with China. The ceremony concluded with a visit to the Chagoua FDAR warehouse in N’Djamena’s 7th arrondissement, where the rice donation is being stored.