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In late August 2025, Qatar-linked Al Mansour Holdings embarked on a whirlwind tour of
southern and central Africa, signing letters of intent and headline MoUs that add up to $103
billion across six countries: the DR Congo, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and
Burundi. Oxford Economics Africa flagged the scale of these pledges, and subsequent
government and wire-service statements in each country help pin down the where, when, and
how. While much remains at the intent stage, the pattern is clear: Doha is staking out a long-term
footprint in African energy, critical minerals, food systems, and logistics an arena where Gulf
capital is increasingly active.
Scale of the Investment
Qatar’s $103 billion pledge across six African countries marks one of the largest commitments of
Gulf capital into the continent. This dwarfs many past bilateral agreements and signals Qatar’s
intent to secure long-term influence. The investment cements Africa’s rising importance in
global markets while positioning Doha as a rival to the UAE and Saudi Arabia in Africa’s
development race.
Strategic Timing
Africa’s population is projected to double by 2050, creating a consumer market of over 2.5
billion people alongside a vast labor force. With resource demand intensifying worldwide,
Qatar’s timing is strategic. Entering now allows Doha to establish an early foothold in key
economies, ensuring access to energy, minerals, and agricultural assets while shaping Africa’s
evolving growth narrative.
Broader Gulf Rivalry
The UAE and Saudi Arabia have expanded aggressively into African ports, logistics, renewable
energy, and mining. Qatar’s $103 billion announcement is a direct counter to this presence. Gulf
states see Africa not only as a resource hub but also as a stage for geopolitical influence. Doha’s
commitment signals that it is no longer content to lag behind its regional rivals.
The timeline at a glance (August-September 2025)
Burundi – Aug 17
Burundi signed 11 partnership agreements with Qatar’s Al Mansour Holdings covering
agriculture, mining, tourism, finance, and digital infrastructure. Although the exact amount was
not disclosed locally, external reports estimate $12 billion. For a country with a GDP under $7
billion, this represents transformative potential, nearly doubling its economic base.
Zambia – Aug 18-21
Zambia finalized a $19 billion agreement with Al Mansour Holdings, one of its largest-ever
investment commitments. Spanning 11 sectors; energy, mining, housing, finance, agriculture, and telecommunications which includes binding MoUs. The government emphasized its
potential to drive industrial diversification, infrastructure expansion, and job creation, cementing
Zambia’s attractiveness as an investment hub.
Botswana – Aug 21
Botswana secured a $12 billion deal, focusing on infrastructure, energy, and diamond value-
chain development. With its diamond industry facing global price pressures, Gaborone sees this
as a chance to diversify into processing, agriculture, and tourism. Qatar, in turn, gains a foothold
in a politically stable, resource-rich Southern African state.
Zimbabwe – Aug 26
Zimbabwe announced a $19 billion pledge from Al Mansour Holdings, targeting housing,
agriculture, power generation, airports, and cybersecurity. A notable $500 million will go to
hydropower, boosting energy security. Separately, Qatar-backed firms moved on oil and gas
exploration, reflecting Doha’s strategy of pairing infrastructure investment with upstream energy
stakes.
Mozambique – Aug 27
Mozambique confirmed a $20 billion investment package, heavily oriented toward energy, oil
and gas, agriculture, and infrastructure. With its vast offshore LNG reserves, Mozambique is
crucial for Qatar, already the world’s largest LNG exporter. Investments in tourism, housing, and
logistics reflect a broader ambition to transform Maputo into a regional hub.
Democratic Republic of the Congo – Sept 2-3
The DRC secured the largest share $21 billion through 18 agreements covering mining (cobalt,
copper, gold), hydrocarbons, housing, airports, pharmaceuticals, and finance. The investment
coincides with Qatar’s diplomatic mediation in the country’s eastern conflicts, blending hard
capital with soft power. For Kinshasa, it promises both infrastructure renewal and critical
minerals development.
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