Built as part of China’s stadium diplomacy, Chad’s new national arena in N’Djamena symbolizes ambition, partnership and sporting progress. If you support the growth of modern sports infrastructure in Africa, vote for Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno in Stadium of the Year 2025.

Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno as a gift

The newest national stadium of Chad was built as a gift from China under the so-called stadium diplomacy programme. Located on the southeastern outskirts of the capital – N'Djamena – about 15 km from the city centre, the arena was designed by Shanghai Architectural Design & Research Institute and constructed by Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group Corporation.

The stadium can host around 30,000 spectators and features an athletics track. Its distinctive architectural character comes from a perforated façade made of vertical slats and diagonal structural columns supporting the roof. The two-tier covered stands are decorated in the national colours of Chad – blue, yellow and red. If you appreciate the development of African sports infrastructure, support the stadium in the public voting for Stadium of the Year 2025 and help it gain international recognition.

© Mahmood-td (CC BY 4.0)

Construction history of the stadium in N’Djamena

The investment was carried out as part of China’s infrastructure cooperation with partner countries. Preparations for construction began in 2018, and on 8 August 2019 the then president Idriss Déby Itno ceremonially laid the cornerstone.

Construction works were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, so physical construction started only in 2021. The project was continued by Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group Corporation, and the reinforced concrete structure was completed in June 2023. The investment cost was approximately 50 billion CFA francs.

Inauguration and first events at the Stade Olympique

The stadium was officially opened on 23 May 2025 during a ceremony attended by president Mahamat Déby Itno, who cut the inauguration ribbon. The programme included speeches by state officials and an exhibition match between Elect-Sport FC and Aiglons FC.

The facility’s full official inauguration took place in 2025, although its name was formally given by decree on 13 May 2025. The stadium honours the legacy of Idriss Déby Itno, who died in 2021 before seeing the completion of the project.

© Mahmood-td (CC BY 4.0)

Significance of the stadium for Chad

Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno became the largest and most modern sports venue in Chad, taking over the role of the main national arena from Stade Omnisports Idriss Mahamat Ouya. The stadium serves as the country’s new national sports facility and represents an important step in the development of sports infrastructure, enabling the organization of international sporting events and national team matches.