Chadian government will mask economic shortcomings

Subject

Economic update.

Significance

Landlocked and with meagre infrastructure relative to its large size, Chad depends heavily on oil for export earnings. Under 18s make up more than half of the country’s population of 15.5 million, and poverty levels are high. President Idriss Deby has been in power for nearly 29 years and will have noted with some concern the sustained protest campaign in neighbouring Sudan which led to the ouster of its long-standing president earlier this year.

Impacts

• Allegations or revelations about corruption could prompt the government to initiate new anti-graft measures, albeit likely symbolic.
• Public infrastructure projects will be hamstrung by financing shortages.
• Oil output is unlikely to grow significantly.