Qatari investment firm Al Mansour Holding plans to inject $21 billion into the Democratic Republic of Congo’s economy, officials said Wednesday. Sheikh Mansour bin Jabor bin Jassim Al Thani, founder and royal family member, visited Kinshasa Tuesday as part of a broader African tour.
During meetings with Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, the Qatari delegation presented a “letter of intent” for investments spanning agriculture, finance, mining, and hydrocarbons. A Qatari official told AFP that Sheikh Mansour’s visit was conducted in his private capacity as a businessman, separate from state diplomacy.
Last month, Al Mansour Holding pledged $70 billion in investments across Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe during a 10-day regional tour. The pledges come as resource-rich Southern African nations face sharp reductions in U.S. aid since former President Donald Trump returned to power.
Conflict in eastern DRC escalated earlier this year when the Rwanda-backed M23 group captured two provincial capitals within weeks, intensifying humanitarian concerns. Previous diplomatic attempts failed until Qatar hosted talks between Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Felix Tshisekedi of Congo in mid-March, surprising observers.
The leaders signed a peace agreement in Washington in June, while Congolese authorities and M23 representatives began Doha-mediated talks in April, agreeing to a July ceasefire. Despite agreements, sporadic clashes continue in the mineral-rich eastern provinces, highlighting the fragility of peace amid regional and economic complexities.