Camer360

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) confirmed on 3 September that Qatari investment group Al Mansour Holding intends to invest $21 billion across several sectors of the Congolese economy.

Sheikh Mansour bin Jabor bin Jassim Al Thani, founder of the group and member of Qatar’s royal family, led a delegation to Kinshasa and handed a letter of intent to Prime Minister Judith Suminwa. The proposed investment targets mining, agriculture, fisheries, livestock and public health.

Although President Félix Tshisekedi did not meet the delegation, analysts described the proposal as one of the largest investment commitments in DRC’s history. “This is a big deal. For the DRC, $21 billion in investments would be huge,” said political analyst Christian Moleka, while warning of challenges in absorption capacity and debt implications.

The initiative is part of a wider African tour by Sheikh Mansour, with previous stops in Gabon, Burundi, Tanzania and Botswana, each resulting in multibillion-dollar pledges. Experts view this as part of Qatar’s strategy to expand its economic footprint in Africa and secure access to key resources.

The investment pledge comes amid cuts in U.S. aid to Africa and renewed instability in eastern Congo, where the M23 armed group continues to control territory despite peace talks. Qatar has positioned itself as a mediator in the conflict, having hosted negotiations earlier this year between Kinshasa and Kigali.

If implemented, the Qatari commitment could reshape Congo’s economic and diplomatic trajectory, boosting sectors vital for national development.