The National Economic and Financial Committee (CNEF) of Chad convened its second ordinary session of 2026 in N’Djamena on July 21, under the leadership of Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Minister of State for Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, who also chairs the Committee.
Attendees included Guibolo Fanga Mathieu, Minister of Trade and Industry, Saleh Bourma Ali, Deputy Minister in charge of Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, Yvon Sana Bangui, Governor of the Bank of Central African States (BEAC), and other standing members of the Committee.
During the session, the CNEF assessed global, sub-regional and domestic macroeconomic conditions, reviewed 2026 economic outlooks, and discussed medium-term projections. The findings were presented by Idriss Ahmed Idriss, Secretary-General of the Committee and National Director of the BEAC.
Global tensions weigh on economic outlook
The final communiqué highlighted persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and rising protectionist measures across multiple regions as key challenges shaping the international economic landscape.
Despite a slight slowdown, economies within the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) demonstrated resilience. The Committee noted controlled inflation, improved budget and external balances, and strengthened foreign exchange reserves as positive signs.
Chad’s GDP growth projected at 5.3 % in 2026
Domestically, the CNEF forecasts real GDP growth of 5.3 % in 2026, up from 5.1 % in 2025. This expansion is expected to be driven primarily by the non-oil sector, even as the oil sector faces projected decline. The Committee also anticipates a continued easing of inflationary pressures, with the inflation rate projected to fall to 0.5 % in 2026 from 2.6 % in 2025, signaling an improved macroeconomic environment.
Monetary and banking indicators show strong progress
Members observed a significant increase in net foreign assets as of March 2026, alongside growth in money supply and a comfortable level of import coverage by reserves. The Chadian banking system and non-bank financial sector also performed well, with the aggregated banking balance sheet expanding by 4.9 % year-on-year by the end of March 2026.
Budget execution and financial inclusion highlighted in discussions
On public finances, the CNEF reviewed the state budget execution as of June 2026. Additional topics included the first-quarter 2026 report on the Effective Global Rate (TEG), findings from audits conducted at banking institutions, and updates from a technical meeting on the expansion of central bank deposit services across the country.
Concluding its deliberations, the Committee reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitor economic and financial indicators to maintain macroeconomic stability and support the country’s growth trajectory.
