Gabon and Chad Strengthen Scientific Cooperation Through Framework Agreement

In a significant step toward strengthening scientific and technological collaboration, Gabon and Chad have formalised a tripartite partnership to advance research, innovation, and sustainable development. The National Centre for Scientific and Technological Research of Gabon (CENAREST), the National Research Centre for Development of Chad (CNRD), and the Gabonese Agency for Space Studies and Observations (AGEOS) signed a Framework Agreement to establish a structured and long-term scientific cooperation between the two nations.  

The agreement, signed by Prof. Alfred Ngomanda (Director General of CENAREST), Prof Mahamoud Youssouf Khayal (Director General of CNRD), and Dr Aboubakar Mambimba Ndjoungui (Director General of AGEOS), sets a strategic foundation for joint initiatives in applied research, Earth observation, and technological development. The partnership aligns with broader regional objectives of fostering South-South cooperation, leveraging shared expertise, and addressing common challenges in environmental management, geospatial sciences, and socio-economic resilience.  

Key Areas of Collaboration 

The Framework Agreement outlines several priority areas for joint action:  

Research Infrastructure and Data Sharing  

• The agreement facilitates the pooling of scientific infrastructure, including laboratories and satellite data from AGEOS, to enhance research capabilities in both countries.  
• Shared access to Earth observation data will support environmental monitoring, climate change adaptation, and natural resource management.  

Joint Research Projects  

• Collaborative projects will focus on geomatics, environmental sciences, and technological innovation, with an emphasis on practical applications for sustainable development.  
• Research outcomes will be disseminated through joint publications, patents, and policy recommendations to maximise impact.  

Capacity Building and Researcher Mobility  

• The agreement promotes the exchange of researchers and students, fostering skills transfer in geospatial analysis, environmental governance, and digital tools for development.  
• Training programmes, workshops, and field schools will be organised to strengthen technical expertise in both countries.  

Interdisciplinary Collaboration  

• The partnership extends beyond the natural sciences to the humanities and social sciences, particularly in areas such as local governance, territorial resilience, and socio-environmental dynamics.  

Strengthening Institutional Ties  

On the sidelines of the signing ceremony, the Chadian delegation, led by Prof Khayal and accompanied by AGEOS leadership, engaged in discussions with academic authorities from Omar Bongo University (UOB). Meetings with the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities (FLSH) and UOB’s Vice-Rectors explored potential synergies in interdisciplinary research, particularly in integrating social sciences with environmental and spatial studies.  

The delegation also visited the Laboratory of Geomatics, Applied Research and Consulting (LAGRAC), a key institution in spatial analysis and environmental monitoring. Technical discussions centred on developing joint training programs, digital tools for resource management, and collaborative research initiatives.  

A Model for Regional Scientific Integration  

This agreement underscores Gabon and Chad’s commitment to positioning science and technology as drivers of sustainable development and regional integration. By combining their respective strengths, Gabon’s advanced Earth observation capabilities through AGEOS and Chad’s research expertise in development studies, the two nations aim to create a replicable model of African-led scientific cooperation.  

The Framework Agreement also establishes a legal basis for future project-specific agreements, ensuring that collaboration remains structured and results-oriented. Through researcher exchanges, joint publications, and innovation-driven projects, the partnership is expected to yield tangible benefits for both countries while contributing to broader continental goals in science and policy.  

Conclusion  

The signing of this tripartite agreement is a key moment in Gabon-Chad relations, reinforcing their shared vision of science as a tool for progress. The two nations are laying the groundwork for a dynamic and impactful scientific partnership that prioritises sustainability, innovation, and African-led solutions to regional challenges by promoting institutional linkages, enhancing research capabilities, and promoting knowledge exchange.  

This initiative not only strengthens bilateral ties but also sets a precedent for future scientific collaborations across Central Africa, demonstrating the transformative potential of coordinated research and development efforts.