At just 34 years old, Naïr Abakar is part of a new generation of African leaders redefining the role of sport in national development.
Appointed Chad’s Minister of Youth and Sports in April 2026, Abakar has made it clear that his ambition extends far beyond sporting success. His vision is to position sport as a strategic tool for youth empowerment, national cohesion and the international visibility of Chad.
Speaking before the Senate of Chad on 29 June 2026, the Minister delivered a strong message of unity and responsibility. He called on all stakeholders to put Chad and its people above individual interests, stressing that the future of the country’s sporting ecosystem depends on collective commitment, long-term investment and a shared sense of national purpose.
Long before entering government, Abakar had already built a reputation for supporting young people and promoting African talent through grassroots initiatives and football development. Today, he is seeking to translate that experience into a national strategy that places youth at the heart of Chad’s future.
His vision reflects a broader shift taking place across the continent, where a new generation of African leaders increasingly sees sport not merely as competition, but as a powerful instrument for economic development, social cohesion, international influence and nation branding.
