Diplomatic Watch presents an interview with Her Excellency Kitoko Gata Ngoulou, Ambassador of Chad to the United States. Ambassador Ngoulou took office in January 2023, ushering in a new era for Chad-U.S. relations.
With over ten years of leadership experience in government and private industry, Ambassador Ngoulou excels in attracting investments, managing projects, and facilitating government relations, particularly in Africa. Her expertise enriches her current role as she works to strengthen ties between Chad and the United States.
In this conversation, Ambassador Ngoulou discusses strategies to enhance Chad-U.S. relations, recent diplomatic accomplishments, and initiatives to engage the Chadian diaspora. She also shares her vision for elevating Chad’s global profile.
Given the longstanding relationship between Chad and the United States, and its key role in assisting Chad during the 1979 crisis, how do you envision building upon this historical foundation to expand cooperation beyond security to areas like economics and cultural exchange?
The relationship between Chad and the United States is longstanding, as we have been partners since our Independence. Moreover, the United States played a crucial role in assisting our country during the 1979 crisis with Libya. This shared history of security cooperation makes the United States one of our primary allies in the fight against terrorism. However, Chad seeks to strengthen our security relationship while also building new partnerships in the areas of economics, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. There is immense potential for growth and learning between our two countries. Given Chad’s rich mineral resources and strategic location, we aspire to position Chad as a hub in Africa and work closely with the United States to strengthen our overall relationship.
What tangible outcomes did you and your delegation achieve in terms of business partnerships and agreements during your recent visit to Chad?
A recent delegation I led, comprising eleven American business leaders and executives from the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) and the Institute of Women’s Health, visited Chad. Despite the brief four-day itinerary, the trip yielded substantial results. The visit made possible the strategic partnership between NBCC and the National Agency of Investment and Exports (ANIE), laying the groundwork for increased Black entrepreneurial engagement. Additionally, collaborations with the Chad Institute of Women’s Health promise to expand our women’s health initiatives.
On June 17, 2024, I accompanied NBCC President, Charles DeBow to the Department of Trade and Industry to initiate discussions on a strategic Chad-US economic partnership. Our focus was on identifying value chains to stimulate economic growth and facilitate market entry for Chadian products in the United States.
Subsequently, on June 18, 2024, the National Agency for Investment and Exports (ANIE) of Chad, the NBCC, and another U.S. business, Sterling Merchant Finance Ltd formalized a partnership aimed at catalyzing investment in Chad.
Our mission was to boost the Chadian economy in line with the strategic goals set by the President of Chad. Investors have shown strong support for Chad, backing the President’s transformative vision for the country. The June 18 MOU signing at ANIE marks a fundamental step in introducing Chadian economic operators and investors to the American market, creating a platform for exchange and economic growth.
In a recent interview with Diplomatic Watch Ambassador Kitoko Gata Ngoulou talks about her strategies for connecting with Chad's vibrant Diaspora communities across the United States @kitokoGata @ChadGovernment @Wecaa_official @RobieKakonge_ @AmbMukantabana @HealthyLights… pic.twitter.com/3krQb67hDc
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) July 17, 2024
How is the Chadian Embassy capitalizing on the potential of the United States-based Chadian diaspora to advance Chad’s interests and enhance bilateral relations?
Here in the United States, we have a Chadian diaspora, maybe not bigger than the Nigerian one or the one of Cameroon. Our embassy database lists approximately 5,000 Chadians. I was pleasantly surprised to discover a highly successful Chadian diaspora during my travels to California, New Jersey, Florida, Portland, Oregon, and North Carolina. I encountered Chadians excelling in various fields, including one who owns outlets in Irvine, California. I was honored to witness their achievements. Additionally, I observed Chadians involved in construction projects in California and Mexico.
As Ambassador, one of my primary missions is to support our diaspora. I am grateful to my Head of State for entrusting me with promoting foreign policy and demonstrating his commitment to the diaspora. Previously, there was a degree of separation between the Chadian community in the United States and the Chad embassy, but our efforts have fostered greater engagement. We now witness increased diaspora participation in politics and community life.
Our embassy aims to empower the diaspora, recognizing their role as the country’s first Ambassadors. A strong diaspora contributes to a nation’s prominence and positive image. We strive to empower the diaspora not only in business but also culturally. To facilitate business opportunities, we are working to unite the various Chadian communities and associations across states, such as those in New Jersey, Texas, Indianapolis, Washington, and Maryland, to establish a Chadian Chamber of Commerce. This will leverage their existing successes and encourage investment in Chad.
While many Chadians in the United States are eager to invest in their home country, they often lack in-depth knowledge of the business environment. We aim to bridge this gap by utilizing the diaspora’s understanding of both cultures.
Furthermore, we seek to showcase Chad’s beauty and potential beyond its historical image as a conflict-ridden region. Chad is the cradle of humanity, boasting diverse landscapes, including deserts, lakes, mountains, and national parks like Zakouma. We are making the most of the diaspora to promote these attributes.
Finally, we are identifying talented Chadian athletes in the United States, such as a young National Football League (NFL) player, to inspire and potentially contribute to Chad’s national teams. The diaspora is undeniably a cornerstone of strengthening the Chad-United States relationship.
Ambassador Ngoulou, how do you envision leveraging media platforms to boost Chad’s international profile and advance national interests?
One of the challenges facing my country is a lack of visibility. We need to enhance our communication and promotional efforts. While some might rely solely on advertising, I believe effective communication is essential for success in any endeavor. I am delighted to have this opportunity to meet with Diplomatic Watch, a respected media outlet. I invite collaboration between Diplomatic Watch, the Chadian Embassy, and other African embassies to promote our countries, diplomacy, foreign policies, culture, and business within the United States. I look forward to our continued partnership with Diplomatic Watch.
