Qatar Airways is poised to announce a major investment in a southern African airline, CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer revealed at the Qatar Economic Forum. This move signifies the Gulf carrier’s ambition to solidify its presence across the African continent.
“We’re in the final stages of finalizing an equity investment,” Al Meer said, hinting at an announcement within the next few weeks. This strategic move fills a crucial gap in Qatar Airways’ African network, specifically in the southern region.
Beyond this investment, Al Meer also expressed a desire to bolster the fleets of existing partner airlines in Africa, aiming to enhance overall connectivity on the continent.
Qatar Airways has already established a foothold in Africa. In 2019, they acquired a 60% stake in a new $1.3 billion international airport under construction in Rwanda. Additionally, they have code-sharing agreements with several African airlines, including RwandAir.
RwandAir CEO Yvonne Manzi Makolo, also present in Doha, anticipates the new Rwandan airport to be operational by 2027-2028.
