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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.
Investment Breakdown by Country
According to Oxford Economics Africa via BBC Finance, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
leads with the largest share ($21 billion), followed by Mozambique ($20 billion). Zambia and
Zimbabwe receive $19 billion each, while Botswana and Burundi are allocated $12 billion apiece.
| Country | Pledge Amount (US$ bn) | Share of total |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) | 21 | 20.4% |
| Mozambique | 20 | 19.4% |
| Zambia | 19 | 18.4% |
| Zimbabwe | 19 | 18.4% |
| Botswana | 12 | 11.7% |
| Burundi | 12 | 11.7% |
Allocation and Strategic Logic -What Africa is After
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – $21 billion (~20.4%)
The DRC seeks to harness Qatar’s capital to industrialize its mineral wealth, particularly cobalt
and copper, which are often exported raw. By attracting long-term investment, Kinshasa hopes to
expand refining capacity, create jobs, develop pharmaceuticals, and build critical infrastructure
roads, housing, and logistics that can underpin broader national growth.
Mozambique – $20 billion (~19.4%)
Maputo is pursuing foreign capital to accelerate development of its LNG resources, diversify its
economy, and upgrade rural infrastructure. The country expects Qatari partnerships to deliver not
just gas monetization but also improvements in agriculture, fisheries, power generation, and
tourism helping Mozambique reduce poverty while stabilizing its energy-driven economy.
Zambia – $19 billion (~18.4%)
Lusaka is after investment to unlock value from its copper belt while diversifying into
agriculture, housing, and financial services. The government has positioned the Al Mansour
package as a vehicle to finance urban housing (1.5m units), establish an investment bank, and
scale irrigation and agro-processing. The ultimate aim is job creation and industrial
transformation beyond raw copper exports.
Zimbabwe – $19 billion (~18.4%)
Harare is using the pledge to address chronic infrastructure and energy gaps. With commitments
toward a hydroelectric plant, housing, airports, and digital sectors, Zimbabwe aims to rebuild
competitiveness. Agriculture and food security are also central given recurring droughts, foreign
financing can modernize irrigation, stabilize food supply, and inject liquidity into a sanctions-
strained economy.
Botswana – $12 billion (~11.7%)
Gaborone is after diversification beyond diamonds. The $12bn agreement is expected to boost
downstream diamond cutting and polishing, while channeling capital into renewable energy,
infrastructure, and tourism. For Botswana, which has been vulnerable to global diamond cycles,
the Qatari deal offers a chance to stabilize growth, create skilled jobs, and move up the value
chain.
Burundi – $12 billion (~11.7%)
Bujumbura is positioning foreign investment as a springboard for economic transformation. With
GDP around $7bn, a pledge nearly double that size could be transformative if realized. Burundi
is after job creation in agriculture and tourism, modernization of infrastructure, and digital
connectivity aligned with its Vision 2040-2060 plan to escape low-income status and build
resilience.
Why Africa, why now-for Qatar?
Energy & LNG adjacency
Qatar is the world’s leading exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), but it recognizes the
importance of diversifying its portfolio and building strategic partnerships in emerging markets.
Mozambique’s massive Rovuma basin LNG projects and Zimbabwe’s potential hydro and gas
opportunities present natural synergies with Qatar’s existing expertise. By investing in African
energy value chains, Doha not only secures new revenue streams but also enhances its global
energy diplomacy. These ventures provide Qatar with leverage in shaping regional energy
markets, while supporting African governments eager for infrastructure and investment to unlock
domestic reserves and expand electrification efforts.
Critical minerals for the energy transition
The Democratic Republic of the Congo holds over 70% of the world’s cobalt reserves, alongside
vast copper deposits essential for electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy technologies.
By pledging billions toward mining and processing, Qatar positions itself as a key partner in
global supply chains critical to the clean energy transition. This aligns with Doha’s strategic
intent to diversify beyond hydrocarbons while maintaining relevance in future resource markets.
Access to African critical minerals strengthens Qatar’s bargaining power with Western and
Asian economies and enhances its role as a strategic player in the green economy, bridging
energy past and future.
Food security & agribusiness
Food security has long been a priority for Gulf states due to limited arable land and water
scarcity. Africa offers fertile soil, abundant water resources, and vast tracts of underutilized
farmland. By investing in agribusiness such as irrigation systems, livestock, fisheries, and agro-
processing Qatar secures reliable access to food supplies while contributing to Africa’s
agricultural modernization. These investments are framed as mutually beneficial: Qatar ensures
its long-term food security, while African economies gain technology, infrastructure, and job
creation. This approach also supports Qatar’s “Vision 2030” goals of economic diversification,
as agribusiness investments provide stable, less cyclical returns compared to hydrocarbons.
Geopolitical influence via development finance
Qatar has cultivated a reputation as a diplomatic mediator in regional and global conflicts,
including recent peace efforts in eastern Congo. By coupling capital investment with diplomacy,
Doha reinforces its soft power in Africa while counterbalancing the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s
growing influence. Development finance becomes a dual-purpose tool: fostering economic
goodwill while extending geopolitical reach. Large-scale pledges in infrastructure, housing, and
energy create political goodwill, giving Qatar leverage in regional blocs like the African Union.
This strategy enhances Doha’s global profile as both a financier and mediator, ensuring it
remains a relevant actor in Africa’s development trajectory.
Reshapes the foundations of Africa-Gulf cooperation
Regional Integration &Trade Corridors
Cross-border investments in housing, energy, transport, and logistics strengthen trade corridors
connecting Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and the DRC. These align with Africa’s
Continental Free Trade Area agenda by enabling smoother regional integration. The Gulf
becomes a key enabler of infrastructure that supports continental growth and intra-African trade.
Strengthening South-South Cooperation
Africa-Gulf engagement embodies a new model of South-South cooperation. Instead of relying
solely on Western aid, Africa leverages Gulf partnerships for capital and expertise. Meanwhile,
Gulf states gain new allies and markets. This mutually beneficial dynamic strengthens
developing economies’ ability to shape global policy and trade agendas.
Deepening Economic Interdependence
Qatar’s investments align with Africa’s development priorities, while securing Gulf access to
critical minerals, energy, and food systems. This creates lasting economic interdependence,
moving the relationship beyond short-term trade into long-term structural integration that
benefits both regions through capital, expertise, and stable resource supply chains.
Diversification Beyond Oil Dependence
Africa offers Qatar a platform to diversify into housing, logistics, tourism, ICT, and energy
infrastructure. At the same time, Africa reduces dependence on Western and Chinese funding,
broadening its capital base. This synergy helps both regions strengthen resilience against global
economic volatility and commodity cycles.
Strategic & Diplomatic Bridges
Qatar pairs financial commitments with conflict mediation, notably in the Democratic Republic
of Congo. This dual role deepens trust and enhances stability, positioning the Gulf as not only an
investor but also a partner in peacebuilding, governance, and sustainable development across
African regions.
Conclusion
Qatar’s $103 billion pledge through Al Mansour Holdings marks a turning point in Africa’s
investment story. Targeting energy, critical minerals, agriculture, and infrastructure across six
nations, Doha is leveraging capital for influence and resources. The real test lies ahead:
translating ambitious MoUs into sustainable projects that deliver tangible growth and strengthen
Africa-Gulf partnerships.